SkillsUSA and HOSA–Future Health Professionals are two nationally recognized CTSOs that support students pursuing careers in skilled trades, technical fields, and healthcare.
Ten Mid-America Technology Center students, two of which are from Newcastle, were among students who will compete nationally after a state competition.
Students advancing to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference include: Charles Shetley, Newcastle High School – HVAC, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (1st place at State); and Addison Taylor, Newcastle High School – Horticulture, Career Pathways Agriculture Team Event (1st place at State).
Through the SkillsUSA and HOSA organizations, students apply what they learn in the classroom to competitive events that reflect industry standards and expectations.
SkillsUSA offers two different contests: Leadership Contests and Skills Contests. Students competing in the Leadership Contests begin with local competitions held at MATC — which took place in December of this school year. MATC sent up to six top placers from each event to move on to the District competition, which was held in Chickasha last February.
From there, the top two finishers moved on to the State Leadership Contest.
Students competing in the Skills Contests are set by each individual program here at MATC.
Some programs offer a regional competition for students to compete in, and others go straight to the main stage to compete in the State Skills Contests. MATC hosted one of the regional contests for the Skills Contests where students were judged on their skills in Job Readiness (IEP), Automotive Technology Service, and Carpentry/Cabinet Making.
Both Leadership Contests and Skills Contests met together for the State competition which took place in April of this year in Tulsa. Students who earned 1st place are advancing to the national stage to compete with other Career Tech systems across the country.
HOSA-Future Health Professionals compete in the State Leadership Conference every year, in April. Healthcare program students can choose from a variety of categories with over 50 events in which to compete and showcase their outstanding skills. Categories include but are not limited to: Health Science Events, Health Professions, Emergency Preparedness, Leadership, and Teamwork. All 1st place winners from each competition advance to the International HOSA Leadership Conference!
MATC is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of its students at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Contests, SkillsUSA State Skills Contests, and HOSA State Contests. A total of 173 MATC students competed, representing 26 different programs, showcasing their technical skills, leadership, and career readiness on a statewide stage.
Of those competitors, 52 students earned the top three placements, and 10 students are making their way to the national contests.
“These results reflect the dedication of our students and the commitment of our instructors to preparing them for real-world success and providing them with a competitive advantage,” said Mike Eubank, MATC superintendent. “We are proud to see so many students represent Mid-America Technology Center at the highest level.”
MATC continues to emphasize hands-on training and leadership development, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in competitive workforce environments.
The SkillsUSA National Leadership Contests will take place June 1-6 in Atlanta, Georgia, and the International HOSA Leadership Conference will take place June 1620 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are an integral part of career and technical education, providing students with opportunities to develop leadership, technical, and workplace skills through competitions, service, and real-world experiences.
