LEOMINSTER- Each year in the Spring, over 6500 vocational students in SkillsUSA in schools from across the country, compete in 114 skilled competitions. It is a journey that begins in March at the District competitions in each state.

This year, Leominster CTEi had 22 kids competing in districts. Leominster’s district includes Montachusett Regional Technical High School, Blackstone Valley RTHS, Baypath RTHS, Pathfinder, Worcester Tech, and Tantasqua. Students compete in skills tests for their shops, in SkillsUSA principles, and in OSHA knowledge.

Of the 22 students competing from LHS CTEi, the following students earned a medal at districts:

Those who earned gold or silver were invited to compete in the hands-on portion of the competition at the Massachusetts State Championships in May.

At the state competition, students compete in various competitions based on their shop. Culinary students may be required to prepare a meal and they will be judged on technique and taste, timeliness, and presentation. Carpentry students could get together with other students in their field to build a house. Robotic students may have to do certain tasks that involve cooperation with each other, like directing a robot through a maze.

If a student places first or second within their state, they will move on to the National competition in June. Making 1st place in nationals gives students a chance to compete in an International competition. Students also have opportunities to earn scholarships, tools, or even job offers during the competition.

Two students in robotics class, Evan and Jacob, have expressed that if they win at States, they plan on going to Nationals. And after that, Jacob is looking to get a degree in computer engineering and robotics, and Evan is looking to be part of mechanical engineering and theater.

LHS CTEi have won several contests at the Mass State championships including medaling in Graphic Design,  Basic Health Care, Culinary, and others and they have competed and medaled in National competition in June as well.

The National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), is the largest showcase of technical and leadership skills by students in the country.