On April 27-29, all members of the SkillsUSA WorldTeam (except one) were in Leesburg for training. That included the SkillsUSA 101 course so, they’re all on the same page when talking about the work of SkillsUSA. There was also scenario training based on the experiences of team members in prior competitions, including how to handle things under the contest rules, and time and stress management.

On Monday, we went to the German Embassy for an orientation conducted by the education director on the German education system and Germany’s Skills Initiative to promote preparation and training of a skilled workforce. Presenters also talked about German culture and food. The students asked mostly about what they’d see in and around Leipzig.

By invitation, we were joined during the meeting by Sam Morgante, legislative aide to Representative James Langevin of Rhode Island and co-chair of the House CTE Coalition. During the luncheon at the Cafe Berlin in Washington, Sam spoke to the team about the importance of CTE and the support of the Coalition.

I want to commend Heidi and Jerry Walsh and Dave Worden for their work with the team. They’re an incredible group of young people and Heidi, Jerry and Dave had a big part in their preparation. I’m glad to say I believe the team really bonded during this trip.

Oh, then there’s that one missing member of the team. He’s Alex Pazkowski, our Welding contestant. Alex was attending the 2013 Global Skills Challenge in Perth, Australia, an invitational event including 10 other countries including China, Canada, the UK and France. The Challenge was to help International Team Australia Skillaroos prepare for Leipzig. Dave Worden received word that Alex took the gold medallion.