Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is hosting the SkillsUSA Regional Competition to encourage students, teachers and industry to work together to build a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA is an applied method of instruction for preparing America’s high performance workers in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work—high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and involvement in community service. As in previous years, high school students from surrounding counties will compete in multiple trade and career related areas for the opportunity to represent their school in the state and national competition. Last year, the college hosted 145 attendees with 124 students representing 10 high schools throughout central North Carolina who competed in areas such as, Architectural Drafting, Technical Drafting, Automotive Service Technology, Related Technical Math, Speech, Community Service, and Job Interview.

This year’s event will also feature a Trades Day spotlighting the technical and leadership programs available at Rowan-Cabarrus. Groups of attendees will be touring campus, making stops in program areas for hands-on demonstrations and an opportunity to gather information on careers and vocational programs. The event is open to high school students, teachers, and guidance counselors. For more information, or to attend, contact Gary Bigelow, 704-216-3900 or gary.bigelow@rccc.edu .