About SkillsUSA
Formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. We help each student excel.

Dates/Times and Locations
Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26, 2008. (Some contests run two days. All contests run Thursday.)
H. Roe Bartle Hall, the Conference Center, Municipal Auditorium, downtown Marriott, downtown Radisson, the Muehlbach, Hotel Phillips and American Royal, Kansas City, Missouri. The Championships is open to the public: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Best photo opportunities: 10 a.m. to noon; 1 - 2 p.m.

Key Statistics

• Expected contestants: over 5,000
• Total contests: 91
• Skilled and technical sciences contests: 60
• Occupationally-related contests: 6
• Leadership development contests: 15
• Demonstration contests: 10
• Contest judges: 500+ from business and labor
• Contest technical committee members: 667
• Conference management team and education team members: 414
• Contest area covered: 787,482 square ft. (equivalent to the area of more than 16 football fields)
• Awards to be presented: 925 medals will be awarded and 217 recognition awards will be given
• Industry prizes support students' employment or further education
• SkillsUSA University seminars: 65
• Total in-kind industry and education contributions (donated time, equipment and material): More than $30 million
• Total volunteer hours by technical committee members, courtesy corps, national education team, judges and alumni during the week: approximately 58,840 hours
• Anticipated hotel accommodations in Kansas City in 2008: 29,500 total room nights in 35 hotels. SkillsUSA is largest annual conference held in Kansas City based on room nights

The Championships requires a massive amount of equipment and materials, including more than 850 computers, 50 trucks, 9,500 bricks and 1,500 blocks, 60 stoves, and complete laboratories for machining, welding, and auto repair and painting. The cost of electricity usage for this week in 2007 totaled over $120,000 (combined electric bill and in-kind services). More than 6,000 lunches are served to competitors and judges.

Championships Contests by Cluster

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Tech Prep: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Architecture and Construction
Architectural Drafting
Building Maintenance
Cabinetmaking
Carpentry
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration (HVACR)
Masonry
Plumbing
Residential Wiring
Sheet Metal
TeamWorks
Tech Prep: Architecture and Construction
Welding

Arts, A/V Technology and Communications
3-D Visualization and Animation
Action Skills
Advertising Design
Audio Production
Broadcast News Production
Extemporaneous Speaking
Graphic Communications
Job Interview
Job Skill Demonstration A
Job Skill Demonstration Open
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Photography
Prepared Speech
Tech Prep: Arts, Audiovisual Technology and
Communications

Education and Training
Preschool Teaching Assistant
Tech Prep: Education and Training Services

Finance
Tech Prep: Finance Services

Government and Public Administration
American Spirit
Quiz Bowl
Tech Prep: Government and Public
Administration

Health Science
Basic Health Care Skills
Dental Assisting
First Aid/CPR
Health Knowledge Bowl
Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
Medical Assisting
Nurse Assisting
Practical Nursing
Tech Prep: Health Science

Hospitality and Tourism
Commercial Baking
Culinary Arts
Food and Beverage Service
Tech Prep: Hospitality and Tourism

Human Services
Community Service
Cosmetology
Nail Care
Tech Prep: Human Services

Information Technology
Computer Maintenance Technology
Computer Programming
Internetworking
Tech Prep: Information Technology
Technical Computer Applications

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Crime Scene Investigation
Criminal Justice
Firefighting
Occupational Health and Safety
Tech Prep: Law, Public Safety and Security

Manufacturing
Automated Manufacturing Technology
CNC Milling Technology
CNC Turning Technology
Electronics Applications
Industrial Motor Control
Major Appliance Technology
Mechatronics
Precision Machining Technology
Robotics and Automation Technology
Tech Prep: Manufacturing
Technical Drafting
Total Quality Management

Marketing, Sales and Service
Customer Service
Entrepreneurship
Promotional Bulletin Board
Tech Prep: Marketing, Sales and Services

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Electronics Technology
Principles of Technology
Related Technical Math
Tech Prep: Science, Technology and Math

Transportation Distribution and Logistics
Automotive Refinishing Technology
Automotive Service Technology
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Collision Repair Technology
Diesel Equipment Technology
Marine Service Technology
Motorcycle Service Technology
Power Equipment Technology
Tech Prep: Transportation Distribution and Logistics

Demonstration Contests
Employment Application Process
Esthetics
Mobile Electronics Installation
Pin Design
Welding Fabrication.

For More Information:
Thomas W. Holdsworth, Director
Communications/Government Relations
703-737-0607 • FAX: 703-777-8999

Jane A. DeShong Short, Program Manager
Communications/Government Relations
703-737-0612 • FAX: 703-777-8999