HCTC SkillsUSA students attend state conference, compete in numerous categories
Caption: Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) SkillsUSA students attended the Kentucky
SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference from April 17-20.
From left to right: *Michael Salvador, Nathan Walker, Shana Napier, *Hayden Ison, Randy Bowling, Tony Back, Joseph Phillips, *James Hall, David Gray and *Jesse Stamper.
* denotes a student.
Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) SkillsUSA students attended the Kentucky SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville from April 17-20.
During the conference, James Hall and Michael Salvador both won first place in their respective categories, electrical construction and welding. The two will now advance to SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta.
SkillsUSA aligns with course curriculums in technical and skilled trades, strengthening hands-on skills, preparing workers for the skilled trades and growing a highly qualified workforce of professionals. The organization provides students with opportunities to hone their personal, workplace and technical skills.
According to Dean of Advanced & Professional Technologies Tony Back, SkillsUSA is a critical component of HCTC's work to meet local community needs.
"SkillsUSA helps each student excel both personally and professionally," Back said. "As a SkillsUSA member, students build strong skills in leadership, teamwork, community service, professionalism and technical areas of study."
SkillsUSA's core values align closely with HCTC's mission of empowering students by providing equitable educational opportunities that lead to student success, rewarding careers and community enhancement.
"At HCTC, we prioritize meeting industry needs in our region through quality technical education and workforce training. SkillsUSA is imperative to achieving this aim," Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC president and chief executive officer, remarked. "Congratulations to all of our students who partake in SkillsUSA. We are incredibly proud of you."
