3-D Visualization and Animation
Mimics the real world production environment where creative output must be accomplished within specific timeframes, resources and design constraints. This is a two-person team event. Contestants must produce high quality images and an animated short subject using 3D computerized images. Students are tested on their technical knowledge, production skills and creative/artistic abilities, take a preliminary written exam and do storyboarding (visual planning).

Action Skills
A five- to seven-minute demonstration of an occupational skill in an area in which a student is training. Contestants use examples, experiments, displays or practical operations to clearly explain their skills using contestant-prepared visual aids.

Advertising Design
Tests technical skills and creative aptitude just as though contestants worked for an ad agency. In addition to a written test, competitors will re-create a given advertisement on the computer. Competitors are judged on their accuracy, proficiency with industry standard software and ability to meet the given deadline. Contestants also compete in a creative portion of the competition. The creative portion involves the application of creative thinking and development of a design problem. Layout, drawing and illustration skills are used, as well as their ability to create vibrant, effective designs using the computer.

American Spirit
A notebook contest documenting SkillsUSA chapters' community service and citizenship projects that demonstrate a belief in the American way of life and the purposes of SkillsUSA.

Architectural Drafting
Contestants will use their drafting skills to solve an Architectural problem. The problem includes a written test, a hand sketch, a computer-generated problem and a problem that may be solved using EITHER board drafting or CAD. The contest tests the contestants' problem solving abilities, not simply their CAD skills.

Audio Production
The Audio Production contest is designed to challenge contestants in two person teams to produce a 60 second audio production/radio commercial. The team has a limited/specific amount of time over a two day period to write their script, gather natural sound, record voiceovers and edit their spot. They then burn their production to an audio CD. The contestants are judged on the professionalism of their production, the quality of the audio and the conveyance of the information to the listener.

Automated Manufacturing Technology
Plotting is not a scored event, however the contestants must be able to generate a plot file that will be used to send their data to the plotter. A team contest for three students. The contest evaluates teams for employment in integrated manufacturing technology fields of computer aided drafting/design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical controlled machining (CNC). CAD operators construct the part geometry; the CAM operator generates the tool paths; and the CNC operator sets up and machines the part.

Automotive Refinishing Technology
The competition includes a series of workstations and an interview process designed to assess skills in surface preparation, spray gun operation and related equipment, paint mixing, matching and applying, solving paint application problems, finish defects, causes and cures and safety precautions and an ASE written exam.

Automotive Service Technology
Contestants will demonstrate their ability to perform jobs and skills based on the task list outlined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Workstations consist of on-vehicle, simulations, bench and component testing and a written test. Contestants will be judged on technical competency, accuracy, quality, safety and ability to follow directions. There are thirteen skill stations plus the written test.

Aviation Maintenance Technology
Contestants perform 12 tasks that represent the types of maintenance they will handle in the aircraft industry. The contest scope is consistent with the airframe and power plant mechanics certification guide published by the Federal Aviation Administration. Aviation maintenance is the only maintenance profession certified by the federal government.

Basic Health Care Skills
There will be 10-12 testing stations. Testing stations will challenge the contestants' beginning level of health occupations knowledge and skills of basic and fundamental health care. Contestants' skills are evaluated through hands-on demonstration, written examination, interviewing, and tabletop presentation.

Broadcast News Production
The Broadcast News Production contest is comprised of four student members. Two students would serve as the news anchor team, one student will serve as the team’s director/technical director, and one student will service as the floor director.  Each team will write, produce, and complete a three-minute newscast as if it were live. Teams are evaluated on their broadcast writing ability, voice quality, diction, timing and pacing and performance techniques.

Building Maintenance
Students will be competing in competencies related to the Building Maintenance trade. Students will be expected to compete in higher level of mastery areas considering the fact that the contest is a national event. These areas will include, but not limited to; carpet care, office cleaning, floor care, and liquid measurement.

Cabinetmaking
Requires the building of a small cabinet from materials and drawings supplied. Contestants are expected to read the drawings, lay out and cut the parts using a table saw, laminate trimmer, hand drill, hinge boring machine and various hand tools. The parts must be accurately assembled, sanded and adjusted to tolerances specified by the judges.

Carpentry
Contestants will frame walls using wood and steel studs, cut and install common and hip and jack rafters, install drywall and baseboard moldings and window trim. Contestants will be judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship and the proper use of tools and equipment.

Chapter Business Procedure
Student teams of six members, will demonstrate their knowledge of parliamentary procedure in both a written exam and a team demonstration. The written exam will consist of 25 multiple choice questions related to materials found in Robert's Rules of Order—Newly Revised. Order a copy here. Scores are averaged and included as part of the team's overall score. During the presentation, the team will demonstrate the running of a typical business meeting using a standard order of business. During the presentation, the team must properly insert into the order of business the secretary's minutes, treasurer's report and business items identified by the technical committee. In addition to the debate and transaction of the business items, teams will also properly demonstrate at least 6 different parliamentary procedure motions, including at least one of each of the following: main, privileged, subsidiary, incidental and motions that bring back issues to the floor. Minutes of the demonstration will be read by the secretary upon completion of the demonstration.

Chapter Display
Selects the outstanding promotional exhibit designed and constructed by SkillsUSA student members. The display is built around and articulates a common theme established annually by SkillsUSA.

The theme for this year's contest can be found here.

CNC Milling Technology
An upper-level CNC (computer numerically controlled) programming and machining contest. Contestants receive a part drawing and materials and are asked to write the CNC program, set up the machine and produce the part. Only the final part and safe working practices, not the CNC program, are evaluated. An upper-level CNC (computer numerically controlled) programming and machining contest. Contestants receive a part, drawing and materials and are asked to write the computer program, set up the machine and produce the part with the use of CAD/CAM. Only the final part and safe working practices, not the CNC program, are evaluated.

CNC Turning Technology
An upper-level CNC (computer numerically controlled) programming and machining contest. Contestants receive a part drawing and materials and are asked to write the CNC program, set up the machine and produce the part. Only the final part and safe working practices, not the CNC program, are evaluated.

If you have any questions about this contest, please contact Bob Kelly or call (614) 264-9360.

Collision Repair Technology
The competition includes a series of workstations, a manually written estimate and an interview process designed to assess skills in metalwork, welding, plastic repair, structural analysis and estimating and an ASE written exam.  The overall appearance of the finished product, speed and proper safety practices will be judged.

Commercial Baking
Challenges contestants to meet production and quality standards expected by industry. Students must scale, mix, prepare and bake six products (including breads, rolls, Danish, cookies and pies) and demonstrate cake-decorating skills. They must deliver a quality, salable product while working efficiently and under job-like conditions.

Community Service
Evaluates local chapter activities that benefit the community. SkillsUSA chapters present their best community service project for the year to a panel of judges. Contestants are evaluated on: (1) a notebook reporting the chapter's community service project and, (2) a live presentation by a chapter team of three members. The team may be a mix of high school and college/postsecondary students.

Computer Maintenance Technology
The CMT contest requires contestants to identify and repair computer hardware malfunctions, solve configuration problems, and install common components. In addition, the contestants take the A+ Certification exam. Their score on this exam is used as the basis for the written portion of the contest, and contestants who pass the exam receive their A+ Certification.

Computer Programming
The competition consists of project coding and output, a skill-related written test and an interview. The contestants will receive a packet that includes instructions to the written test and each of the three or four projects. Each project's specifications are written for Visual Basic, Java, C++ and RPG. The projects will be saved on the Desktop in a folder called "SkillsUSA Contestant#_." All projects will be downloaded to a jump drive or diskette (which ever the student prefers) and transferred to a main station to be printed, both code and screen.

Cosmetology
Students will demonstrate their skills in haircutting, hair styling and longhair design in four separate tests. All work is performed on mannequins so everyone begins with the same model and the same type of hair. Contestants will recreate 2 women's' and 1 men's' haircut from a finished photo. A display of creativity is seen in the longhair segment of the competition where these future salon professionals demonstrate their own design skills. A parade finale closes the contest with each contestant walking down the stage with their completed mannequins to present to the audience.

Crime Scene Investigation
Contestants will be directed to the crime scene and briefed as to the situation. The contestants will, as a three-person team, process the crime scene. They will legally search for, properly collect and remove evidence of the crime. One member of the team will be required to lift a latent fingerprint from a pre-selected item of evidence. After the scene has been processed, the contestants will write their report, draw the crime scene sketch and mark their evidence.

Criminal Justice
For students preparing to be police officers or to work in other areas of criminal justice. Typically this contest will utilize both written examination and practical exercises to evaluate the contestants' abilities and knowledge of the field. The contestants are scored on their knowledge and application of U.S. Constitutional Law, written and verbal communications skills, and their ability to handle an entry-level law enforcement position.

Culinary Arts
The competition will encompass both hot and cold food preparation and presentation. Contestants are rated on their technical culinary skills, sanitation and food safety techniques, and above all, the quality of their prepared items, particularly their creative presentation.

Customer Service
Evaluates students' proficiency in providing customer service. The contest involves live, role-playing situations. Contestants demonstrate their ability to perform customer service in both written and oral forms including telephone and computer skills, communications, problem solving, conflict resolution and business etiquette.

Dental Assisting
Contestants demonstrate procedures specified in the accreditation standards for Dental Assisting Education Programs of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students compete in chair-side assisting; preparation of dental materials; infection control; and emergency, laboratory and office procedures. Skills evaluated may include administrative, clinical or laboratory dental areas.

Diesel Equipment Technology
Contestants cycle through fourteen stations testing basic engines; troubleshooting engines; electrical-electronics; chassis; transmissions; carriers; hydraulic systems; vehicle inspection; fundamental failure analysis; brake systems; air-conditioning; general shop skills; job interview skills; and a written test.

Electronics Applications
Consists of three sections. The first requires contestants to logically troubleshoot functional building blocks of electronics systems, using modern test equipment on audio systems, power supplies, microprocessors, digital technology and video systems. The second evaluates soldering and de-soldering skills, workmanship and assembly techniques in constructing an electronics project. The third part is a written exam on safety procedures, electronic devices and electronics concepts.

Electronics Technology
The contest is divided into four sections testing contestants' knowledge of: analog and digital circuitry; ability to troubleshoot electronic circuits; ability to construct and test experimental circuits; to design and select circuit components; and to assemble an electronic circuit. All aspects of the competition test contestants' abilities to use and calibrate electronic equipment, record and organize data, and demonstrate proper safety practices.

Entrepreneurship
A team event testing students' knowledge in starting their own businesses by developing business plans that identify needed products or services in a local market. Emphasis is placed on financial planning and practicality of product/service. Teams give oral presentations based upon their written plans and the team must successfully answer questions by a team of judges in response to typical problem encountered by entrepreneurs during their first year of business.

Extemporaneous Speaking
Requires contestants to give a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic with five minutes of advance preparation. Contestants enter the preparation area one at a time where they are given a speech topic. They are judged on voice, mechanics, platform deportment, organization and effectiveness.

Firefighting
The Firefighting contest evaluates the contestant’s preparation for firefighting careers through hands-on skill demonstrations and both written and oral presentations. Areas tested include: safety; breathing apparatus; fire streams; ladders, ropes, knots and hoses; fire control; ventilation; emergency medical care and rescue; and protecting fire cause evidence. Contestants are evaluated using standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

View a video of the CPAT portion of the FireFighting contest.

First Aid/CPR
Evaluates contestant's ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on scenarios presented related to CPR and first aid. There is also a written exam. All skills are judged on nationally accepted standards identified by the American Red Cross for first aid emergencies and the American Heart Association for CPR. An AED scenario for all contestants will be included.

Food and Beverage Service
Contestants are tested on skills required in the "front of the house" of a fine restaurant. The focus is on guest service and guest relations in the dining room including: table set up; greeting guests; reservations procedures; presentation of menus; description of food, drinks, soups and specials of the day; taking orders; serving each course and clearing the table after each course; and preparation and presentation of the check and closing remarks. Contestants are judged on personal appearance, tableside manner, professionalism, ease with guests, courtesy, general knowledge and technical and verbal skills.

Graphic Communications
Contestant will participate in a seven part contest which includes the following segments in alphabetical order: DIGITAL WORKFLOW--NEED RIGHT NOW, ELECTRONIC PREPRESS--Prepare a file with either QuarkXPress or InDesign on an Apple Computer; FINISHING--Prepare table top folder for various folding exercises and a short written test; OFFSET PRESS OPERATIONS--Prepare press, install plate, make ready to print, two color on a preprinted two color sheet; ORAL PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT--Participate in an interview exercise; PRODUCTION PLANNING--Solve production problems relating to paper, ink and production; and, TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE TEST--Complete general technical knowledge test.

Additional information is available here.

Health Knowledge Bowl
Tests teams of four students on their collective knowledge of health occupations. Teams are judged on speed and accuracy answering questions in nine categories:  (1) Academic Foundations; (2) Communication; (3) Systems; (4) Employability Skills; (5) Legal Responsibility; (6) Ethics; (7) Safety Practices; (8) Teamwork; and, (9) Health Maintenance. 

Download a study guide and sample questions and answers.

Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
The Health Occupations Professional Portfolio contest recognizes students for their successful development of a professional portfolio. The competition evaluates the ability of the students to present themselves to a prospective employer. The contestants will show the use of the portfolio use effective communication skills in presenting. The contest consists of two parts: a portfolio notebook and a live presentation by the contestant.

HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration)
The contestants will be tested in the following areas:
written exam, brazing skills, refrigerant component service, air measurement and troubleshooting, refrigerant recovery and electrical troubleshooting. Various industry equipment may include ice machines, refrigerated display cases, small package HVAC units, furnaces, and split system air conditioning units.

Industrial Motor Control
Students will demonstrate their knowledge of electrical principles, equipment and industry standards as it relates to the design and installation of motor control circuits. Students will demonstrate their skills and abilities in applying that knowledge by properly installing motor control equipment and associated enclosures, raceways, pilot devices and circuitry.

Internetworking
The contest consists of three main parts--networking design, general networking knowledge and hands-on evaluations. The networking design problem tests a contestant's ability to design functionality, scalability, adaptability, and manageability of an internetworking system. The online written portion tests the student's complete knowledge of internetworking concepts. The hands-on component demonstrates the abilities of the contestant to make cables, trouble shoot network systems, configure routers and switches and to deliver customer service in a technical assistant center environment. The contestants will find errors in WAN and LAN networks; do an ISP configuration using routers and switches; talk a technician through an error they are having on their network; and, take an online, certification type test.

For more information visit the Internetworking Web site.

Job Interview
Divided into three phases: completion of employment applications; preliminary interviews with receptionist; and, in-depth interviews. Contestants are evaluated on their understanding of employment procedures faced in applying for positions in the occupational areas for which they are training.

Job Skill Demonstration A
Contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. Competitors in Job Skill A must demonstrate a career objective in an occupational area that is included in one of the contest areas of the SkillsUSA Championships.

Job Skill Demonstration Open
Contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training or outside of their training program.  Any technical skill may be demonstrated.

Major Appliance Technology
Students rotate from station to station diagnosing common appliance failures. They also are given an electrical and mechanical written exam and demonstrate their brazing ability by constructing a copper & steel tubing object per schematic provided.

Marine Service Technology
The Marine Service Technology contest includes 4 skill stations and a written test. The hands on test stations include many aspects of 2-stroke and 4-stoke outboard, stern drive and inboard troubleshooting and repair. Students should be proficient in marine application electrical/ignition systems, fuel systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, drive/transmission systems and boat and trailer rigging and repair. The written test includes the above listed topics including diagnostics, service and repair of marine accessory items. Contestants will be judged on safe work practices, cleanliness, organizational skills, accuracy, speed and completion of assigned tasks, worksheets and paperwork.

Masonry
While production is very important, quality workmanship is vital. The students will be expected to construct a composite brick & block project in a six-hour period that will test their ability to meet industry standards in quality. In addition to a written exam, the critical eye of journeyman judges will be the deciding factor in determining the winners. The contest project will include components of the most frequently used details in residential construction.

Mechatronics
Requires contestants to understand the new industrial discipline of "mechatronics," the ability to understand complex systems that integrate various elements in the mechanical, fluid power, and controls domain, combined with the ability to work in a team environment with people of different areas of expertise. Mechatronic specialists must therefore have well development skills in pneumatic technology, electrical and electronics systems, mechanical systems and general automation techniques and practices, including systematic troubleshooting methods. This competition consists of three events designed to measure the skills required in the modern automated manufacturing environment. Contestants will be required to assemble, adjust and test an automated machine system, troubleshoot and repair a faulty machine system and take a comprehensive written test. The contest elements have been designed to be as realistic as possible, closely resembling the tasks and activities of modern automation professionals. High school teams of two will compete in a construction phase and a troubleshooting phase. In addition, there will be an individual written test and oral interview.

College/postsecondary teams will be required to provide their own PLC that will be used in the construction phase.

Medical Assisting
Contestants are tested on their skills in the clinical and administrative setting of a medical office. They are judged on speed, the use of correct safety measures, and their ability to interact personally with a patient. They are also judged on general office skills, communication skills, identification of anatomy and instruments, and on a variety of clinical procedures and techniques. The need to be able to assess a situation in a short period of time and perform a skill required for that situation.

Motorcycle Service Technology
Contestants perform tasks representative of those encountered in a dealership's service department. Technical skills include performing scheduled maintenance; using service and parts manuals; electrical testing; precision measurement; brake service; chassis/suspension service; fuel delivery systems; transmission and drive systems; power train systems; electrical systems on Buell, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha motorcycles. Judges will look for clean and organized work habits; correct use of reference materials; the ability to follow directions; and good technical skills.

Nail Care
The purpose of this contest is to evaluate each contestant's preparation for employment and to recognize outstanding students' excellence and professionalism in the field of nail technology. The contest consists of 6 separate segments; oral communication skills, acrylic application, tip and wrap application, nail polish application, nail art and a written exam. The written exam tests basic knowledge of proper sanitation, chemical safety, salon procedures, etc. The practical applications evaluate the contestant's ability to perform the most common nail services in the salon today.

Nurse Assisting
Students demonstrate knowledge and skill in performing patient care, personal care and standard infection control procedures in basic nurse assisting, including CPR. These include the ability to use and identify equipment; manipulation of medical materials in taking blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height, and weight; testing urine for sugar and acetone; and applying acuwrap to an ankle. Contestants should be familiar with basic anatomy, communication skills, legal/ethical issues and employment skills.

Occupational Health and Safety
Students demonstrate the safety and health endeavors of their respective technical programs by putting together a scrapbook that highlights important programs, activities and events related to their school's health and safety program. The competition encourages chapters to be active in all phases of SkillsUSA. The health and safety activities of the chapters are evaluated on the planning and organization of four projects and the final outcome of those projects. Students are interviewed and scrapbooks are scored by a panel of judges based on the quality and content of the scrapbooks and on the candidates' presentation during the interview process.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies
A teamwork and oral presentation contest that evaluates teams' understanding of the symbolic representation of the colors and assembled parts of the SkillsUSA emblem. Each team includes seven registered members in the roles of president, vice president, parliamentarian, reporter, treasurer, secretary and optional officer. The contest is a demonstration of the SkillsUSA Opening and Closing Ceremonies conducted according to the script and description as printed in the SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards.

Get tips and tools for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies here.

Outstanding Chapter
The Outstanding Chapter consists of activities students have been involved with during the school year. Activities consist of chapter meetings, leadership training, publicity, community projects, professional development, program of work, awards, local and state competition, and other chapter selected activities. Each activity is documented according to guidelines and submitted in a scrapbook for judging. A student representative is interviewed at the SkillsUSA Championship events.

Photography
Contestants demonstrate their ability to use digital SLR's, image editing software (Adobe Photoshop) and professional studio lighting. Students perform on-site photography, portrait studio lighting & posing, process and print digital photos and submit two 11x14 or 16x20 mounted & matted photographs in advance of the contest to be judged and displayed at the competition. Contestants are evaluated on their mastery of entry-level job skills.

Plumbing
Contestants "rough-in" hot and cold water lines with copper to a water heater and the sanitary drainage waste and vent lines with cast iron and PVC plastic for a water closet, a lavatory, a washer box and a floor drain. Water pipes are pressure tested on completed projects. Professional plumbers and pipe fitters judge the contestants on the basis of accuracy, workmanship, proper selection and use of tools and supplies, and proper safety practices.

Power Equipment Technology
Tests the student's skills in all areas of this technology. They must know and understand both 2 & 4 cycle engines. They should know and understand the related theories that go along with the types of engines that they will come across in the industry. They should also understand drive trains, hydraulic, as well as wiring schematics. Contestants will need to be versed in customer service. As they rotate through the various stations they are judged and scored on both physical and oral skills. They are further tested with their ability to read and follow the job tasks that are given.

Practical Nursing
Contestants will demonstrate their ability to perform procedures/skills consistent with Practical Nursing competencies as determined by State Boards of Nursing. Contestants are judged on their knowledge of medical terminology, body structure and function, nutrition, medications and nursing care. They must also demonstrate their abilities to perform job skills such as: administration of oral, subcutaneous and nasogastric medications; physical assessment; insertion of a nasogastric tube; sterile dressing change and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At each workstation they are judged on accuracy of their skill, organization, communication and safety.

Precision Machining Technology
Contestants will compete in NIMS Level I & II manual machining skills and knowledge areas including operation of manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and surface grinders.  Contestant knowledge of CNC programming skills using a PC will be evaluated.  Related knowledge and skill in the areas of engineering drawing interpretation, GD&T, technical math, machining practices, use of precision measuring/hand tools and ability to communicate verbally using proper industry terminology are also part of this competition. 

Prepared Speech
Requires students to deliver a speech five to seven minutes in length on a common theme established by National SkillsUSA early in the school year. Contestants are evaluated on their ability to present thoughts relating to a central theme clearly and effectively, and on voice, mechanics, and platform deportment.

The theme for this year's contest can be found here.

Preschool Teaching Assistant
Contestants will demonstrate their ability to prepare and implement learning activities for children 3 to 5 years old. Contestants are required to write a lesson plan. They will demonstrate their understanding of the unique age-related learning characteristics of young children and the relevant social interactions as they implement the lesson. Contestants will read a preschool book. They will take a written test of their knowledge of child development and effective teaching strategies.

Principles of Technology
Evaluates contestants' understanding of basic technical concepts/principles of the applied sciences and ability to demonstrate and explain the concept/principle in action and application. Any technical concept may be demonstrated, provided it is related to the principles of technology curriculum and incorporates basic principles of the applied sciences.

Promotional Bulletin Board
Judges bulletin board displays created by SkillsUSA chapters. The bulletin boards promote SkillsUSA, career and technical education in general, and related occupational information. An oral presentation is also included.

The theme for this year's contest can be found here.

Quiz Bowl
The Quiz Bowl tests a team of 5 competitors' ability to quickly respond to questions covering the areas of academic knowledge, professional development and current events. The participants respond to a question by activating a buzzer system. The teams receive one point for a correct answer and lose a point for each incorrect answer. The active rounds (preliminary and finals) are 100 questions each.

Get sample Quiz Bowl questions.

The Quiz Bowl has its own Web site.

Related Technical Math
On a written test, contestants demonstrate skills required to solve mathematical problems commonly found in the skilled trades and professional and technical occupations. Skills demonstrated include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimals; applied word problems; percentages; ratio proportions; averages; area; volume; metric measures and traditional (Imperial) measures and trigonometry.

Download a sample version of a Related Technical Math test.

Residential Wiring
Contestants are required to complete a written test, a practical conduit bending exercise and a hands-on installation and wiring exercise. Working from drawings and specifications sheets, contestants are required to install residential wiring and electrical devices. Judging is on the basis of general workmanship, accuracy of layout and installation, and adherence to the current national Electrical Code and standard industry safe practices.

Robotics and Automation Technology
Challenges two-person teams to demonstrate operation of an intelitek ER-4U, 5-axis servo-robot along with a set of sensors and motorized devices to resolve a simulated production process problem. They demonstrate and set-up a robotic workcell from a word problem task. Contestants are required to create a flow chart and sequence of operation. Teams are judged on efficiency, speed and teamwork.

Sheet Metal
Contestants in the sheet metal contest are tested on their ability to perform such jobs as connecting sheet metal pieces with drive cleats, spot welding and riveting. Skills tested may include straight duct, transition fitting and 45-degree entry tap fitting. Professional sheet metal workers judge contestants on the basis of use of hand tools, correctness of layout, and shop safety procedures.

TeamWorks
Requires teams of four to Present plans and build a joint project in three days, demonstrating their preparation for employment in residential construction. Team members must: analyze a project drawing; write an action plan and give a presentation (in which each team member is required to have an active part); and demonstrate their ability to work as a team performing skills in residential carpentry, plumbing, electricity and masonry. They are also judged on cleanliness of jobsite, timeliness of completing the project, and proper ordering and inventorying of tools and equipment.

Tech Prep Showcase
Recognizes outstanding Tech Prep students for their ability to present, through the design and construction of a display, the application of skills and education brought about through Tech Prep career training. Students perform a professional team presentation applying the appropriate technology associated with the Tech Prep program. A team consisting of three students enrolled in the same recognized Tech Prep program must present the project.

Technical Computer Applications
Contestants will be expected to demonstrate installation, configuration and use of DOS, Windows 95/98/ME/XP/2000 Professional Operating Systems and one or more integrated office suite packages including e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet applications, database applications, web page development, money management applications, presentations applications, internet browser applications, etc. Microsoft Office and other integrated office suites could be used. The contest will include an oral presentation demonstrating the students' ability to communicate with others, the hands-on skills demonstration, and up to one hour will be allowed for a written examination.

Technical Drafting
This contest evaluates contestant's preparation for employment and recognizes outstanding students for excellence and professionalism in the field of technical drafting. The contest will focus on the solution of industry-developed problems by applying appropriate technical drafting skills and tools including computer-aided drafting (CAD).

Telecommunications Cabling
For students interested in voice and data network cabling and installation. It tests worldwide standards for data and voice connections, physical and logical networks and signal transmission. Contestants demonstrate skills in reading network design documentation, part list set up and purchase, pulling and mounting cable, choosing wiring closets, patch panel installation and termination, installing jacks and cable testing. The contest stresses safety and working effectively in group environments.

Television (Video) Production
Teams of two contestants are required to shoot a one-minute VHS video on location to convey the "theme" of the event. Editing is done in the contest area with special emphasis on professional production of the video by industry standards, quality of audio and video, and adequate conveyance of the "theme" to the viewer.

Total Quality Management
Student teams demonstrate their skills in the continuous improvement process over three days. Teams become involved in—and document—a process that will affect positive change within their school and/or community. Teams first present a TQM project from their home school/community. They are then presented with a real problem by a sponsoring business. Real data is collected and analyzed with possible solutions presented to the judges. Teams are evaluated to a predetermined standard based upon their work in the following areas: problem/process statement; goals/objectives; process/evidence of planning (methodology); teamwork; data collection; use of analytical tools/display data; results; and innovation.

Web Design
The project will be for each team’s to complete a series of challenges, with a focus on web site usability and accessibility with at least one challenge related to scripting. Each challenge must be documented, clearly demonstrating the skills as outlined in the SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards 2008.

Welding
Competitors receive contest drawings and a set of welding procedure specifications. All drawings, welding symbols, and welding terms conform to the latest edition of the American Welding Society standards. Through a series of stations, contestants are tested on various aspects of welding: measuring weld replicas, using weld measuring gauges; laying out a plate and using oxy-acetylene equipment to cut several holes that are checked for accuracy and quality; gas metal arc welding (GMAW) on steel making welds in various positions using short circuiting transfers; and, using a combination machine capable of providing the correct welding current for shielded metal arc (SMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Competitors complete the steel project and weld an aluminum project in various positions using a variety of filler metals.