WDT hosts South Dakota SkillsUSA competition

Pictures of 2010 Skills USA

Western Dakota Tech will host the South Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference on Thursday, April 8, and Friday, April 9, at WDT in Rapid City.

During the two-day event, high school and technical institute students from across the state will compete in technical contests, challenge each other in a quiz bowl, and participate in events that recognize their achievements. The technical competitions include contests in a wide variety of areas, including drafting, auto repair, computer maintenance, first aid/CPR, video production, web design, basic health care, advertising design, and others.

“SkillsUSA gives students the chance to show everyone how good they already know they are,” WDT President Dr. Craig Bailey said. “As a state, we don’t give enough credit and recognition to these students and the skills they possess.”

WDT invites the media to the conference. Here are a few items that may be of interest:

Thursday, April 8

  • 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Participants arrive and register
  • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Opening ceremony
  • 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Quiz Bowl

Friday, April 9

  • 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Technical competitions
  • 4 p.m.: Banquet, awards, closing ceremony

SkillsUSA’s mission is to help its members become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.

SkillsUSA is an applied method of instruction for preparing America’s high performance workers enrolled in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work—high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and involvement in community service.

Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 20 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 99 percent of WDT graduates are placed in careers within six months of graduation, and more than 87 percent live and work in South Dakota.

WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.

Learn more about WDT at www.wdt.edu.