KENOSHA, Wisc. — As the 2004 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) approaches, thousands of students are preparing to descend on Kansas City, Mo., to test their skills against those of fellow students from across America. With the approach of the June 20th to 25th conference, Snap-on Tools is once again supporting SkillsUSA as it trains, develops and inspires the next generation of American workers.
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving a quarter-million high school and college students enrolled in technical, skilled and service occupations. SkillsUSA’s goal is simple: to prepare young people for entry into the work force, armed with the skills and experience they’ll need for successful and satisfying careers.
Snap-on Tools has worked with SkillsUSA for more than 15 years. According to Chris Pfaus, vice president of marketing for Snap-on Tools, SkillsUSA is essential to the development and training of American workers and the continued competitiveness of the American workforce. “America’s future depends upon a skilled, dedicated and productive workforce,” he said. “Every day, in thousands of communities across America, SkillsUSA ensures that young people gain the skills, experience and insights needed to become productive workers and good citizens. Snap-on Tools couldn’t think of a better organization to assist, support and with which to partner.”
Held annually in Kansas City, the NLSC offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through competitive activities in occupational areas and leadership. Showcasing the best career and technical students in the nation, the championships are the culmination of contests that begin locally and continue through state and national levels. In 2003, the NLSC brought together 4,100 contestants in 75 separate events, all in an area the size of seven football fields. In 2004, the NLSC is bringing together 4,500 contestants in 77 separate events, all in an area of over 11 football fields.
During 2004, Snap-on Tools renewed and extended its support for SkillsUSA through:
Leadership in the Technical Committees for competition categories that include automotive, collision, diesel, aviation and computer drafting;
Sponsorship of the SkillsUSA State Director’s luncheon, which opens the NLSC;
Financial support for the organization’s National Officers, a group of secondary and post-secondary students elected by their fellow students to lead the organization’s activities on behalf of the students;
Involvement on the Youth Development Foundation, including the chairmanship of the Foundation; and
Donation of awards of tools and equipment for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the auto, collision, diesel, aviation, motorcycle, marine, power equipment, industrial maintenance, electronics, HVAC and computer drafting competition categories.
In 2004, Snap-on will once again bring to Kansas City a full-scale educational exhibit showcasing its tools, equipment, dealer van and personnel.
According to Pfaus, Snap-on’s involvement with SkillsUSA is an important part of Snap-on’s efforts to encourage students to consider vocational, service and trade occupations as satisfying, rewarding career options. “Snap-on’s involvement with SkillsUSA lets Snap-on help young people take their first steps towards a fulfilling, meaningful career. We encourage other organizations to support SkillsUSA and its mission to develop and train America’s future workforce.”
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