Colorado High School Students Learning Skilled Trades Arrive in Pueblo for State Competition

Pueblo, CO— On April 9-11, over 800 students and teachers will be coming to Pueblo from all over the state to attend the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference. These are the students dedicated to learning the skilled trades, helping to fill the talent pipeline in some of Colorado’s most in-demand careers. SkillsUSA is a national student organization helping to develop Colorado’s workforce by offering secondary and post-secondary skills-based competitions and leadership opportunities in areas like construction, automotive maintenance, cosmetology, computer programming, culinary and manufacturing, to name a few.

A 2022 report from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education concluded that Colorado has two job openings for every available worker. In 2023, another report stated that there were now 2.7 jobs available for every unemployed person, resulting in a loss to the Colorado economy of an estimated $46 billion in potential Gross Domestic Product. Various other studies have concluded that the state needed to improve its workforce-development pipeline, which is a core mission of SkillsUSA Colorado.

During the Conference, students will have the opportunity refine their craft while competing with students from all across Colorado. Students and teachers are also able to connect with industry professionals, stay in touch with current trends in their field and develop leadership skills. The week will be filled with rigorous competitions, fun networking events, exposure to cutting edge educational technology and a host of educational facilities, all part of the mission to train the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Pueblo Community College (P.C.C) is stepping up to support students and teachers attending the conference by opening their doors and hosting several competitions at their facilities. P.C.C instructors will facilitate automotive, welding, cosmetology, law enforcement, and computer science competitions throughout their campus. Brett Burke, Dean of Business and Advanced Technology at PCC states “This event presents an excellent opportunity for students to develop leadership qualities and refine their skills, preparing them to become the next great generation of skilled workers. Pueblo Community College is proud to partner in this initiative and support these talented individuals. Additionally, this event presents the opportunity to foster connections between students and opportunities in higher education as well as the workforce. We are excited to host these remarkable students and witness them showcase their incredible talents and abilities.” 

The annual SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference will bring hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Pueblo economy while helping Colorado’s students prepare for a rewarding career in the skilled trades. Monica Buckley, State Director of SkillsUSA said “The annual Skills Leadership Conference is an amazing experience for students, educators and industry to work together, have fun, and help students find their passion for the skilled trades."