SkillsUSA - Champion Your Future

What is SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a national career and technical student organization that empowers students to become skilled professionals, responsible leaders, and dedicated community members. With more than 300,000 members nationwide, SkillsUSA partners with educators and industry leaders to ensure students are prepared with the technical, academic, and employability skills needed for success in today’s workforce.
Through hands‑on competitions, leadership opportunities, service projects, and workplace‑ready training, SkillsUSA helps students grow in confidence and professionalism. Members develop skills like teamwork, communication, problem‑solving, and career readiness—qualities that employers across all industries highly value.
Whether you’re pursuing a pathway in Information Technology, Engineering, Health Science, Cosmetology, Welding, Automotive Services, or any other CTE program, SkillsUSA gives you the chance to apply what you’re learning, challenge yourself, and connect with a community of motivated peers. Being part of SkillsUSA means striving for excellence, serving others, and preparing for your future.

Why Join SkillsUSA

✔ Build leadership & communication skills
✔ Compete in local, state, and national competitions
✔ Strengthen professional skills
✔ Connect with industry partners
✔ Boost your résumé and college applications
✔ Represent your program and school

Membership Expectations

  • Submit your SkillsUSA membership dues through your Career Tech program.
  • Attend all chapter meetings as scheduled by your program advisor.
  • Take part in planned community service activities.
  • Engage in chapter fundraising events and initiatives.
  • Students who rise to the top of their Career Tech programs are encouraged to represent ACTC by competing in SkillsUSA competitions.
  • Have fun while learning, leading, and growing!

SkillsUSA Pathful:

Our Career Readiness & Work‑Based Learning Platform

Why We Use Pathful
Pathful gives students real‑world career experiences—like virtual job shadows, live industry speakers, and work‑based learning activities—designed to build the technical, workplace, and personal skills that employers want. SkillsUSA members use Pathful because it supports career exploration and prepares students for their next steps.

Program Advisors

SkillsUSA logo

Cherea Baker
Cosmetology Club Instructor

Devin Driver
Fire Science Club Instructor

DaMarcus Kendrick
Welding Club Instructor

Tammie Stamm
IT/Networking Club Instructor

AL State-Level Competition Opportunities

Alabama SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA competitions in Alabama span 11 official sectors, giving students opportunities to demonstrate technical ability, leadership, teamwork, communication, and real‑world career skills. Alabama hosts over 85 competitions each year at the State Leadership & Skills Conference.

Students in ACTC Career Tech programs that use SkillsUSA as their CTSO have the opportunity to participate in all competitions listed below.

Competitions for ACTC Programs

Some SkillsUSA competitions begin at the district level (SkillsUSA Alabama South District Competition) due to the large number of student participants across the state. Alabama is divided into three districts: North, Central, and South. Autauga County is part of the South District. Below are the competitions ACTC students have the opportunity to compete in at the district level. All other competitions will begin at the state level (SkillsUSA Alabama State Leadership & Skills Conference). 

Leadership

(Students develop communication, organization, and public-speaking skills)

  • Job Interview
  • Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Job Skill Demonstration A
  • Job Skill Demonstration Open
  • Prepared Speech
  • Promotional Bulletin Board (Team of 3)
  • Quiz Bowl (Team of 7)
  • Chapter Display
  • T-Shirt Design (Online)
  • Pin Design (Online)
  • Related Technical Math

Architecture and Construction

  • Welding
  • Welding Fabrication Team Event (Team of 3)
  • Welding Sculpture

Human Services

  • Cosmetology

Information Technology

District competitions are not available for this program. Students will represent ACTC beginning at the state SkillsUSA Championships. See the Alabama State Competition list for available events.

    Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Safety

    District competitions are not available for this program. Students will represent ACTC beginning at the state SkillsUSA Championships. See the Alabama State Competition list for available events.

    Transportation Distribution and Logistics

    • Automotive Service Technology
    • Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
    Strive to be the best in your Career Tech program and compete through SkillsUSA. State champions who place first will advance to the National SkillsUSA Championships.

    Leadership

    • Action Skills
    • American Spirit (Team of 3) (middle school included)
    • Career Pathway Showcase (Team of 3) Human Services
    • Chapter Display (Team of 3)
    • Community Service (Team of 3)
    • Employment Application Process
    • Entrepreneurship (Team of 4)
    • Extemporaneous Speaking
    • Job Interview (middle school also)
    More information coming soon
    Information coming soon