Metal ArtJeremy WerkheiserArtist at Metal RelicKingsley, PennsylvaniaI didn’t start welding to become an artist. I started because I was always drawn to metal. I had some on-the-job training with the best mentors, and then my life hit rock bottom. I lost everything I had built in just one yea... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsJason WhittemoreInstructor at MMTCCornville, MaineI started in our family power equipment dealership. We are also a family of builders, and I am currently a construction technology instructor at the high school level. My advice? Develop your skills and work ethic. Continue... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsTj ElliottAutomotive InstructorWest Springfield, MassachusettsMy shop teachers were my biggest inspiration in life. My advice? Listen! There is a lot to learn if you just listen.
Automotive - General RepairD’ante GallegosStudent at CRTCBurleyMy grandpa was a skilled craftsman who worked on all his own projects—he was a genius when it came to the trades, and I always looked up to him. The life he built is something I’ve always admired and hoped to follow. My advi... read more Commercial CarpentryZachary SmithCommercial Carpentry InstructorAustin, MinnesotaMy path to carpentry began one summer when I remodeled my son's room—that project sparked something in me. I enrolled in a training program, competed in SkillsUSA as a student, and absolutely loved it. After graduating, I sp... read more ConstructionOwen BrackbillGeneral Construction at Zaveta Custom Homesdoylestown, PennsylvaniaI started in construction because I enjoy working with my hands and love walking through homes to see the results of the work. My advice is to give every trade a chance—you never know which one might be the perfect fit for y... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairKierra BoatrightAuto BodyWest Valley, UtahDon't give up!
Automotive - DealershipLucas MooreAutomotive Technician at White-Allen AudiXenia, OhioEver since I was little, I’ve been obsessed with cars—the looks, the sound, the speed, and the community around them. In 2008, my dad bought a PlayStation 3 and Gran Turismo 5, and from the moment I started playing, I was ho... read more Automotive - DealershipTrinity AndersonWelder at Trucks Trailers and MoreMandan, North DakotaMy inspiration came from my dad and a desire to learn how to weld different things. That curiosity pushed me to start developing my skills. One important piece of advice I’ve learned along the way is to have patience—you’re ... read more Automotive - General RepairAlejandro SchloesserTeacher at Green Bay Area Public SchoolAppleton, WisconsinI have been inspired by teachers and mentors that I had growing up, the principal figure being my dad. Do not misspend your youth and try and take every opportunity that comes your way. In your youth you can afford to fail a... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairTobin MccordHeavy Diesel Technician at Ascendance Truck CentersWausau, WisconsinMy dad was the one who got me into the industry and sparked my interest in working on vehicles. One piece of advice I’d pass on is to take care of your body from the very beginning—this line of work can be tough, and staying... read more ElectricalJoe PeterElectrician at Self EmployedNew Bedford, MassachusettsMy advice is to work hard!
Automotive - DealershipRiley CaseyWelding at Grand bounceGrove, Oklahoma
Automotive - General RepairJoseph ManleyMechanic at Sanchez Automotive RepairValleyI was inspired by watching people on YouTube take cars completely apart and put them back together—it sparked a real interest in how things work. My advice is to take your time; automotive can be frustrating, but with patien... read more ConstructionThomas LeiskauInstructor at Saint Paul CollegeSt Paul, MinnesotaMy former teacher inspired me to pursue this career. If I could give my past self some advice, it would be to have worked harder as a young man.
Technical Education - students and instructorsClayton ReevesWelder at Career Technical Education CenterFresnoI started welding my freshman year and have continued ever since. My advice is to not give up, because the beginning is always the hardest part. Keep pushing forward and strive to be the best you can be.
Industrial EquipmentGeorge ToubekisField Test Application EngineerUniversity Park, IowaI have been a gear head my entire life. Don't wait, just go for it!
Technical Education - students and instructorsTom HillsteadAdvisor at Saint Paul CollegeSt. Paul, MinnesotaMy advice is to go for it!
Agriculture Equipment RepairLiam FlemingEmployee at AG ProWakeman, OhioMy grandpa first inspired me to become a mechanic when I was growing up, which led me to attend EHOVE Career Center to train as a diesel technician. After some time in the heavy-duty over-the-road truck industry, I realized ... read more Automotive - General RepairTimothy LafondWelderLyndonville, VermontMy grandfather was my inspiration, and I started following in his footsteps, which led me into the trade. The best advice I can give is to work hard and stay true to yourself, those values will carry you far in both your car... read more WeldingAlyssa GirondoWelderMorgantown, West VirginiaI decided I wanted to better my life, and my kids were my biggest inspiration to make that change. My advice to anyone holding back is simple: just do it. Stop telling yourself you’re not smart enough, you are and taking tha... read more Agriculture Equipment RepairScott ToweryWelding Instructor at Silverton HSSilverton, OregonFollow your passions, and remember that it’s okay to change your career path while continuing to build your toolbox of skills along the way. I was inspired by my high school agricultural teacher to get involved with Career a... read more Automotive - DealershipNatalie GarrettAutomotive Technician at Honda of ClevelandRinggold, GeorgiaIn high school, I watched a documentary by Mike Rowe featuring an interview with a female welder, which first sparked my interest in the trades. That inspired me to develop a passion for cars and ultimately pursue a degree i... read more PlumbingAaron GuestInstructorNew Haven, ConnecticutMy uncle, who was a plumber when I was a kid, inspired me to follow in his footsteps and become a plumber myself. My advice is to take every risk and let go of fear—no reward comes without taking chances!
Construction Equipment RepairBrad HoodTeacher at CCCAJacksonville, AlabamaMy father and grandfather were both carpenters, which inspired my own path in the trade. My advice is simple: get on the job and learn—hands-on experience is the best way to grow your skills.
Technical Education - students and instructorsAlan LloydWelding Instructor at Cassia Regional Technical CenterAlbion, IdahoAfter over 30 years in the industry, I was ready for a change and decided to go into education to share the technical skills I had developed throughout my career.
Auto Body/Collision RepairCallie NickersonPainter Assistant at Carstar NorthwestGretnaI fell in love with the industry after my truck broke down and I had to learn to fix it myself. My interest in painting developed later from a custom paint class I took at Metropolitan Community College. My advice is to keep... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsTim StorbeckInstructor at Lit.eduBeaumont, TexasMy father was and still is my inspiration. If I could give my past self some advice, it would be to listen more to what my father said.
ManufacturingGage StephensMulticraft at KamtekHoover, AlabamaI’ve worked in manufacturing ever since graduating high school because it was the easiest path to take when I wasn’t sure what career I wanted. My advice is to attend industry days and explore all the options available—you m... read more Aviation/AerospaceJustus FeraStudent at M&M Golf CarsLees Summit, MissouriHow you start doesn’t matter—what matters is that you take that first step. I grew up working alongside my grandfather, who could fix just about anything, and I always looked up to him. Wanting to be like him is what inspire... read more Construction Equipment RepairAshlyn JohnsonHelperBakersfield, CaliforniaMy dad inspired me to get into construction, and his influence helped shape my passion for the trade. My advice is to not be afraid to put yourself out there—get hands-on, stay involved, and don’t hide from the work. That’s ... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairAdrian PelayoWelder at Performance Diesel ServiceYerington, NevadaI started my career as a welder going to school for diesel mechanics and welding. After finishing my degrees, I got a job as a welder. I inspire by being a role model to brothers. My advice is to work hard and do your best a... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsLucas CarrTeacher at Sullivan East High SchoolKingsport, TennesseeAs a designer, I was inspired by a high school teacher who helped me see the possibilities in this field. My advice: go explore a variety of career options and find something you truly love doing.
ManufacturingSergey PretreMachinist at Twin City FanMitchell, South CarolinaI started in high school and quickly fell in love with the craft. Even when I took a break to serve in the Army, I found myself constantly thinking about the manufacturing sector. Now I’m in college, working toward degrees i... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsLily RichardsonConstruction at Quantum Sign CorperationSandwich, IllinoisI always loved watching HGTV as a kid, but for a long time, I didn’t think I could actually do it—especially being a girl. I kept trying to find anything that came close, until I finally decided to just go for it and join th... read more Aviation/AerospaceEdmundo SalazarMachinist at StandardAeroMonte Alto, TexasI was previously a manufacturing engineering student but became interested in the hands-on production of products, so I decided to take a machining route. My advice is to get to work, and even if you feel down, remember that... read more WeldingLucas SysterStudentFargo, North Dakota
Agriculture Equipment RepairNolan KassebaumEquipment Operator at Tree Shrubs and MorePapillionI got inspired through YouTube—and my best advice? Just do it.
Aviation/AerospaceCrystal LinStudent at Aviation high schoolFlushing, New YorkMy sophomore year teacher was the inspiration and starting point for everything I do today. Their encouragement and belief in me set me on the path I'm on now. One lesson that’s stuck with me is to just keep going, even when... read more Aviation/AerospaceJunior GonzalezAviation Maintenance Teacher at Aviation High SchoolBronx, New YorkI graduated from Aviation High School and served in the Marine Corps. My advice is to cherish every moment and build strong relationships along the way—they make all the difference.
HvacAustin FishHvac apprentice at esc environmental systems coBurlington, ConnecticutThe trade seemed interesting to me, so I decided to give it a try—and I’ve found it to be a great career where no day is ever the same. My advice is to never give up and keep moving forward. If you don’t enjoy one area of th... read more Automotive - General RepairNick KarmannB Tech at Taylor ChryslerRolla, MissouriMy grandpa inspired me to start working on vehicles—it all began with a race car when I was three, and it just took off from there. My advice: take every opportunity you get; you never know what’s going to come of it.
Technical Education - students and instructorsDana VinsonAutomotive Teacher at Frenship High SchoolLubbock, TexasI grew up in agriculture, where learning how to fix things was a priority, and that hands-on experience laid the foundation for my career. After moving to Lubbock, I got my start at a local Ford dealership, which led to a lo... read more ManufacturingZachary BakerMachinist at SpartanMoberly, MissouriAn amazing instructor inspired me, and ever since, my advice has been simple: work hard and care about precision.
Auto Body/Collision RepairBryan VargasDamage appraisalHayward, CaliforniaI got my start in this field because my family owns a body shop, and being around it sparked my interest early on. One important lesson I’ve learned is to take your time and be patient with yourself—you're not going to be gr... read more Automotive - Specialty ShopWyatt ArdAutomotive Technician at Bass Automotive LLCPamplico, South CarolinaI got started working on cars in automotive technology during high school, and my best advice is to be a sponge—absorb as much information as possible.
Other (Fill in the blank)Micah GrayCabinet Maker at Foundations WoodworkingJohnson CityI’ve always been interested in building, and my grandpa was a big inspiration for me. My advice: don’t be afraid to start.
Automotive - General RepairBrooklyn LurkerAutomotive Technician at Nisqually Auto and TowingLacey, WashingtonMy journey began with a worn-out Honda that I was determined to keep running, which sparked a genuine interest in automotive work. That interest led me to trade school, where instructors G and Anderson provided a strong foun... read more Automotive - General RepairAdam FrazarAutomotive Instructor at Wallace State Community CollegeJasper, AlabamaMy high school and college auto instructors inspired me to work in this field and to teach it. I saw the impact he had on young students that might otherwise have ended up in trouble or without employment. My advice for thos... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairIzzie SchmidtAuto Body StudentMankato, MinnesotaI was detailing full time and wanted to keep learning more, and I met the new auto body tech at our dealership. She told me I should go back to college for Auto Body—and so I did! I’ve learned to never be embarrassed if you ... read more Automotive - Specialty ShopJayden TesterWorkermankato, MinnesotaMy brother-in-law is my biggest inspiration.
Automotive - DealershipMason KleinfelderLube Tech at Ford of HomewoodHomewood, IllinoisI joined the automotive program at my high school, and it set me on the path I’m on today. My advice: work as hard as you can and learn as much as possible.
Auto Body/Collision RepairKage CollinsAutomotive Refinish Technician at Levanders Body ShopSt. Paul, NebraskaI got started young—my dad has worked in the industry doing automotive refinishing, and I followed in his footsteps. Now I work alongside him, and it’s been an incredible journey. My advice: stay committed to yourself and yo... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsTyler ChrystalAutomotive Instructor at LpvecRussell, MassachusettsI took automotive in high school and set my sights on being the best of the best. If I had one piece of advice, it’d be this: get started sooner.
Automotive - DealershipColin VenableService Technician Apprentice at Bozarth ChevroletCastle Pines, ColoradoI’ve been tinkering with cars since I was a pre-teen, working alongside my grandfather, and that early experience sparked a lifelong passion for automotive work. In high school, I earned a Maintenance and Light Repair certif... read more ManufacturingMatt MarciniakMaintenance at RivianCarlock, IllinoisI found inspiration through an apprenticeship at Rivian—it really pushed me to think differently. My advice: keep being curious. Don’t focus on trying to be right—focus on finding the right answer.
ManufacturingNick MockIndustrial Maintenance Tech at RivianBloomington, IllinoisMy inspiration came from a paid apprenticeship at Rivian—it really opened my eyes to the possibilities. If I could give one piece of advice, it’d be this: start trade school sooner.
Automotive - General RepairStephanie EncarnacionAutomotive TechnicianWorcester, MassachusettsGoing to a technical high school definitely helped me—once I explored the automotive program, I completely fell in love with it and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. My advice is to take your time doing the work—don’t... read more Technical Education - students and instructorsAshley LawtonSkilled Trades InstructorShreveport, LouisianaI love teaching and making things, so teaching students to build things has been my ideal job! My advice is to just do it!
Automotive - General RepairAlexa Garcia-AlexanderTransportationDallas, TexasI wanted to do something with my hands and learn something useful. That's how I found this industry. My advice is to learn as much as you can, there is always more to learn!
ManufacturingJesse SmithManufacturing at Rockdale Career AcademyCovington, GeorgiaI took a visit to my old high school and was offered a job as a technology teacher. I decided to give it a chance, and 13 years later, I’m still in love with it. As a computer engineer, I use my problem-solving skills to bet... read more RacingJacob KnechelStudentClayton, North CarolinaI first started out working on small engines and then cars, with my dad. My advice is to have the right tools for the job that you are doing, it makes all the difference!
ManufacturingAdam FulbrightManager at North Georgia Technical CollegeHull, GeorgiaHigh school shop classes got me started, thanks to some great instructors who took the time to recognize and encourage my talent. Their support helped set me on the right path. My advice is simple: learn a skill—when you hav... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairBridget DunfeeTechnicianScarborough, MaineI got started in high school and was inspired by my older brother and father to get into the trades. My advice is: don’t let the guys intimidate you, just get started and you will find your way as you go!
Automotive - General RepairJeremy LanzaEmployee at J and J classicsBrunswick"My dad and brother inspired me, and I’ve always been around working on stuff. My advice is to pick a path you love and run with it.
Heavy Equipment OperationsCollin GoshertLaborer at B.R. Kreider & SonLititz, PennsylvaniaMy teacher from Lancaster CTC inspired me to compete in SkillsUSA and take the leap into the workforce, which really set the stage for my career. Looking back, I’d encourage others to get into this line of work as early as p... read more Automotive - General RepairJames CarducciDiesel Tech Teacher at Churchill County High SchoolFallon, NevadaWho inspired me? Johnathon Young at TMCC Reno, NV inspired me! My advice to anyone just starting out is to collect your tools early.
ManufacturingJacob WinterStudent at Sussex Hamilton High SchoolMenomonee Falls, WisconsinI got started doing cabinetmaking and slowly worked my way in my education through welding, machining, and technical drafting. My advice for people just starting out is to focus more on what you love to do, rather than what ... read more Automotive - General RepairDawson SnipesInstructor at Doherty High SchoolColorado Springs, ColoradoI've been interested in mechanics since I was a kid—if it has an engine, I'll figure it out! To build on that passion, I know that continuing my education is important, and I would recommend further training for myself. I'm ... read more ManufacturingDoyle HaynesTraining Manager at HomdaJacksonville, AlabamaMy advice is to always stay positive!
Aviation/AerospaceRobert ThrockmortonAviation Maintenance Technician at TCAT MorristownKnoxvilleWhat got me involved? Just personal interest—but it grew into something much more. My advice: don’t quit. Persevere through the challenges, because it pays off greatly.
Agriculture Equipment RepairAvery FeasterFarming at Jordon Run WVMaysville, West VirginiaMy parents got me started, and I eventually took it over. My advice to anyone just starting out is that it's okay to make mistakes, that is how you learn.
Automotive - DealershipSean BrinkerAutomotive TechnicianGrayson, KentuckyI’ve been working on cars my whole life, but only recently made it my full-time profession—and I couldn’t be happier! My advice: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’re part of the journey.
Automotive - DealershipSeth JamesAuto Teacher at Davie County SchoolsMocksville, North CarolinaMy dad and my auto teacher were my biggest inspirations. One thing they taught me that’s always stuck: always have a plan—and a backup plan.
Technical Education - students and instructorsJeff StruhsTeacher at Copper Hills High SchoolSouth Jordan, UtahI got started because of my father and grandfather, who taught me from the age of 10 how to work on vehicles and small tractors. This is a great career, but it’s hard on the body—so having an escape plan is important.
Auto Body/Collision RepairTodd KiefferAuto Collision Instructor at Greene County CTCClarksville, PennsylvaniaMy dad had a body shop, and he inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Now, as an Auto Collision Instructor, I can say firsthand—it’s a rewarding career with a lot of opportunities!
Heavy Duty Truck RepairCharles SmithInsturctor at FETCFrench creekI got started and gained a lot of inspiration from Trade School. My advice to anyone starting out is to love what you do.
Auto Body/Collision RepairKaden RobertsSkillsUSA ParticipantRoberts, MontanaI am in the autobody industry because I have a passion for art and painting cars is a very cool and challenging art project!
Automotive - General RepairShelby MathesSkillsUSA ParticipantWaterloo, IllinoisThe reason I chose my career cluster was because my parents own two automotive shops and I have been included with them since I was really young and I have always loved working with my hands and I love to figure things out.
Heavy Duty Truck RepairRusty BraggSkillsUSA ParticipantCastle Rock, ColoradoI chose chose my career cluster because my dad was a mechanic and that's what made me get into the field.
ManufacturingJayden BetancourtSkillsUSA ParticipantCaldwell, IdahoI chose my career cluster because of the benefits of the trades. Mick Bell taught me everything I know.
Automotive - General RepairCole VogtSkillsUSA ParticipantNorfolk, NebraskaI like Automotive Technology because it gives me useful skills that I can use for the rest of my life in multiple fields.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsHunter ElamStudentMorton, IllinoisI decided to become a field tech because of my parents' farm, I’m always working on equipment. I have a great mechanic job, no debt from school and I recently graduated from high school.
Automotive - General RepairBrittni SpeckerInstructorBuckeye, ArizonaI originally started working on my truck in high school because I wanted to know how to do it myself, I was always a hands-on learner. I was told by my high school counselor that I was not allowed to take auto class. So, as ... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairLiam ClarkStudentMoab, UtahI am inspired by a family friend who owns a diesel shop. We work on lots of F-350s with the 7.3, and lots of old Mercedes 300 and 240DS.
Architecture & ConstructionBrycen McLaurinStudentGrand Prairie, TexasI chose this industry in high school, when my former masonry instructor suggested I join his class, I’ve enjoyed every bit of it!
Auto Body/Collision RepairKoby Garvin CarrascoStudentRathdrum, IdahoI chose to pursue automotive refinishing because of my draw to art and the chase of perfection. Nothing catches a persons eye more than a beautiful car with sleek body lines that just encapsulates and envelopes someone’s cur... read more HVACRyan IversenInstructorHanceville, AlabamaA career in tech education has been an opportunity that I have been very happy with. I’ve always thought I wanted to be a history teacher, but HVAC is a tool that everybody can use!
Auto Body/Collision RepairJoshua ThompsonStudentStar, IdahoMy high school collision repair teacher taught me how to fix wrecked cars and make money doing it. He’s been a great inspiration to me because of his joyful attitude toward life and always treating others the way he would wa... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairAleah SauderStudentMarengo, IllinoisLast year I placed 2nd at Nationals with two other girls on the podium and that made me decide that automotive refinishing is what I was born to do.
Auto Body/Collision RepairLuis TiradoStudentBellevue, NebraskaMy father was a painter before me, he inspired me to follow in his footsteps and be passionate about the Auto-Body industry.
WeldingBrylie BallStudentButte, MontanaI’ve always been creative and interested in working with my hands. As a female welder, I can work as hard as the other boys. I am just as talented in the industry!
Automotive - General RepairJonathan GarrisonInstructorNew Albany, MississippiI loved my career as a technician working on cars and when the opportunity came to teach students I wanted to embrace that opportunity because of the lack of basic skills I was seeing in the industry.
Architecture & ConstructionJohn DavisStudentLeakesville, MississippiI got to SkillsUSA from lots of practice, hard work, and determination. Also, a great instructor with the right attitude and mindset.
WeldingNicole EhresmanStudentDuluth, Minnesota
WeldingTyler WinsorStudentBellevue, NebraskaMy dad was my biggest inspiration in helping me decide to become a welder and be the best I can be.
ManufacturingLily HallStudentMadison, WisconsinI took a class for $20 in high school and ended up loving welding. I went back to school for metal fabrication a couple of years after graduating.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsJames ElseaStudentInwood, West VirginiaI chose this industry because I like working with my hands and making money.
Heavy Duty Truck RepairWyatt FrederickStudentWestminster, MarylandMy father worked on trucks, he has since passed away, but he inspired me to get into the heavy-duty field.
HVACDaniel HostetlerStudentJoppa, AlabamaI chose this industry because I love HVAC with the flexibility and never being in the same place.
WeldingEmily RobinsonStudentShoreline, WashingtonWelding is an amazing hands-on career that will help you make a wonderful future for you and your family!
WeldingClayton FegleyStudentMcClure, PennsylvaniaI chose this industry because my grandfather was a welder. I’ve been doing it for four years and I plan on becoming a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector).
Automotive - General RepairEduardo AdamesInstructorPonceI love working on cars because I can understand how each component works together. Teaching is my passion and I love to see future automotive technicians in my community.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsAbraham GarciaStudentBeach Park, Illinois
Automotive - General RepairJovan luceroInstructorOmaha, NebraskaI love being able to teach our next generation of automotive technicians. Being able to give students a different path to success. Teaching them everything I have learned in the industry
Automotive - General RepairTrinity DupreStudentMontegut, LouisianaMy best friend got me into it the automotive industry! We were just working on cars in general. My other best friend is in it too and I just never left the industry. I thought it would be lame, turns out I really enjoy it.
Automotive - General RepairAJ PetersStudentBradenton, FloridaI got into Automotive industry because taking my car to the shop was too expensive. After being in a dual enrollment at my local tech school, I learned how to do basic service on my family’s cars and saved a lot of money in ... read more Auto Body/Collision RepairAnnie DovaliSkillsUSA ParticipantOmaha, Nebraska
Automotive - General RepairWillie DeBruceSkillsUSA ParticipantTifton, Georgia
ManufacturingAustin McClainSkillsUSA ParticipantLake Lillian, Minnesota
Auto Body/Collision RepairAustin LambertSkillsUSA ParticipantHomer, Nebraska
ManufacturingJessilynn LinkSkillsUSA ParticipantOttumwa, Iowa
Automotive - General RepairPhilip KellermanSkillsUSA ParticipantLavonia, Georgia
Architecture and ConstructionJess BowlinSkillsUSA ParticipantAuburn, Alabama
Automotive - General RepairKarina RiceSkillsUSA ParticipantWillmar, Minnesota
Automotive - General RepairCaree HendrixMechanic at Harley-DavidsonTuscumbia, AlabamaI’ve been a student in automotive classes for 1 year but I’ve been working on little projects for several years. I’ve always been interested in knowing how things work on a deeper level. I enjoy taking things apart and putti... read more ManufacturingIan VandreStudentMarshfield, Wisconsin
ManufacturingJak StarkelSkillsUSA ParticipantSt. Ignatius, Montana
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsJared RentmeesterInstructorEldridge, Iowa
WeldingRachel LeeInstructorAtlanta, Georgia
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsAllison AgundizStudentDonna, Texas
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsLogan SiegelStudentByron, Michigan
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsMike BellInstructorNampa, IdahoI chose my career cluster because dirty hands make clean money!
Architecture & ConstructionDaniel KernInstructorStar, North Carolina
ManufacturingChason WarrenStudentNashville, GeorgiaI got into this industry because there’s good money and a lot of opportunities.
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsIan RowlandStudentIrvine, Kentucky
ManufacturingHunter VolcheckStudentGretna, Nebraska
Transportation, Distribution & LogisticsTommy RaleyStudentShipshewana, Indiana
ManufacturingAdam Horton2024 SkillsUSA ParticipantKittrell, North Carolina
Technical Education - students and instructorsSam TraceyAutomotive SkillsUSA CA Chair PersonRiverside, CaliforniaMy mom and dad are my inspiration. They started their own auto repair shop in Riverside , California. I am now the second generation of the auto repair shop. I hold my smog inspector license in California, and I am now the A... read more WeldingJoshua HenryStudentAtlanta, Georgia
Aviation/AerospaceAjay DookieInstructorNyc, New York
RacingJohn OlsonEngine Builder/ Pro Stock Car Chief at ARC Race Engines/MotorsportsMorris Plains, New JerseyI basically grew up with a wrench in my hand. My father had an automotive repair shop in NY, for close to 40 years. I grew up in the shop taking apart blown engines at the age of 5-6. I have also been involved with drag raci... read more Heavy Duty Truck RepairNestor ClavelDiesel Mechanic at Valleys DieselVisalia, CaliforniaI have been working on cars for almost 4 years now and it’s honestly the best thing that has happened in my life! I love working on cars - taking stuff apart and putting it back together and having that feeling of accomplish... read more