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 24, and Thursday, June 25, 2009. (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, Mo. 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 5,400
  
• Total contests: 91
  
• Skilled and technical sciences contests: 64
  
• Occupationally-related contests: 7
  
• Leadership development contests: 15
  
• Demonstration contests: 5
  
• Contest judges: 500+ from business and labor
  
• Contest technical committee members: 624
  
• Conference management team and education team members: 429
  
• Contest area covered: 787,482 square ft. (equivalent to the area of more than 16 football fields)
  
• Awards to be presented: 1,035 medals will be awarded and 194 recognition awards will be given
  
• Industry prizes support students’ employment or further education
  
• SkillsUSA University seminars: 83
  
• Total in-kind industry and education contributions (donated time, equipment and material): More than $35 million
  
• Total volunteer hours by technical committee members, courtesy corps, national education team, judges and alumni during the week: approximately 58,840 hours
  
• Hotel accommodations in Kansas City in 2008: 29,500 total room nights in 31 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 (off-site), welding, and auto repair and painting. The cost of electricity usage for this week in 2008 totaled over $120,000 (combined electric bill and in-kind services). More than 6,000 lunches are served to competitors and judges.

Skilled and Technical Sciences Contests (64)

• 3-D Visualization and Animation
• Advertising Design
• Architectural Drafting
• Audio/Radio Production
• Automated Manufacturing Technology
• Automotive Refinishing Technology
• Automotive Service Technology
• Aviation Maintenance Technology
• Basic Health Care Skills (HS only)
• Broadcast News Production
• Building Maintenance
• Cabinetmaking
• Carpentry
• CNC Milling Technology
• CNC Turning Technology
• Collision Repair
• Commercial Baking
• Computer Maintenance Technology
• Computer Programming
• Cosmetology
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• Dental Assisting
• Diesel Equipment Technology
• Electronics Applications
• Electronics Technology
• Esthetics
• Firefighting
• Food and Beverage Service
• Graphic Communications
• Health Knowledge Bowl
• Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
  
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
  
• Industrial Motor Control
  
• Internetworking
  
• Major Appliance Technology
  
• Marine Service Technology
  
• Masonry
  
• Mechatronics
  
• Medical Assisting
  
• Motorcycle Service Technology
  
• Nail Care
  
• Nurse Assisting
  
• Photography
  
• Plumbing
  
• Power Equipment Technology
  
• Practical Nursing
  
• Precision Machining Technology
  
• Preschool Teaching Assistant
  
• Residential Wiring
  
• Robotics and Automation Technology
  
• Screen Printing Technology
  
• Sheet Metal
  
• TeamWorks
  
• TechPrep Showcase
  
• Technical Computer Applications
  
• Technical Drafting
  
• Telecommunications Cabling
  
• Television (Video) Production
  
• Video Product Development
  
• Web Design
  
• Welding
  
• Welding Fabrication
  

Leadership Development Contests (15)

• Action Skills
  
• American Spirit
  
• Chapter Business Procedure
  
• Chapter Display
  
• Community Service
  
• Extemporaneous Speaking
  
• Job Interview
  
• Job Skill Demonstration A
  
• Job Skill Demonstration Open
  
• Occupational Health and Safety
  
• Opening and Closing Ceremonies
  
• Outstanding Chapter
  
• Prepared Speech
  
• Promotional Bulletin Board
  
• Quiz Bowl
  

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