GOSHEN – Orange-Ulster BOCES in Goshen held the Region IV Skills USA Competition on Saturday with hundreds of students in attendance from schools from around the region.
Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industries working together to ensure that America has skilled workers. The event held at BOCES showcases the best career and technical education students in the area.
Elected officials including Congressman Pat Ryan, state Senators James Skoufis and Michelle Hinchey, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, and Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta were on hand to greet students and wish them well in their respective competitions.
Throughout the day, students competed in career areas such as carpentry, electrical, culinary, esthetics, film, and many more with the day concluding with awards for top performances in each category.
Matthew Ross, council representative for the Carpenters Local 279 located in Rock Tavern is an event coordinator and served as a judge in the carpentry competition. Ross said that the event is a great way for students to demonstrate their skills and connect with perspective employers. “It’s incredible how talented many of these 17-year-olds are. They have a great foundation of skills that set them up to be successful and continue their training once they graduate high school,” said Ross.
Congressman Ryan expressed pride in the BOCES students from across the Hudson Valley as they participate in the Skills USA Competition. “These programs are how we will create good paying jobs and remain competitive as a nation. In Congress, I will always fight for increased investments in career and technical education.”
Skills USA is a national organization promotes leadership, lifelong learning and dignity of work. The local chapter focuses on teamwork, character development through skills, and competition and community service.
Winners from Saturday’s competition will advance to compete in the state competition to be held later in the year.
