SkillsUSA Scales Up Credentialing Opportunities to Upskill Students and Teachers

SkillsUSA:
Clare Briner
cbriner@skillsusa.org

New opportunities debut at SkillsUSA national conference to support the development of a powerful and talented skilled trades workforce

Leesburg, Va., May 13, 2025 — SkillsUSA is expanding opportunities to earn quality non-degree credentials at its annual National Skills & Leadership Conference (NLSC) this June to further enhance the skills and employability of its members.

SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, will offer more than two dozen credentialing exams spanning a variety of industries during NLSC, the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce, held June 23-27 in Atlanta.

“SkillsUSA has an unwavering commitment to improve the quality of our nation’s skilled workforce,” said Chelle Travis, executive director. “Our students are already developing the workplace, personal and technical skills they need to be career-ready as part of their chapter programming so adding opportunities for members to earn resume-worthy credentials at our conference gives them the ability to advance their career goals and enhance their employability.”

Quality non-degree credentials are being offered complimentary for SkillsUSA members—both students and advisors—in partnership with ACT, American Red Cross, Autodesk, iCEV, FANUC, Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), NOCTI and YouScience.

SkillsUSA’s Workforce Development Director Brandon Hudson said these credentials are recognized and valued by employers.

“SkillsUSA has a unique role as a conduit between business and industry and education, both secondary and postsecondary, making us a key driver in workforce development and career readiness throughout the nation,” he said. “Our partners understand this and are equally as invested in enhancing student and educator outcomes.”

NC3’s Director of Operations Alex Brookhouse said industry-recognized credentials are essential in equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in today’s workforce.

“NLSC provides an exceptional platform to connect students with hands-on, high-impact certification opportunities that align directly with employer needs,” he said. “We’re proud to partner in this space where talent, training, and opportunity converge.”

Some exams are open to all students and/or advisors, but others are limited to student competitors in specific career competitions. Select exams are open to the public, but NLSC registration is required.

For full details on credentialing exams and registration, visit nlsc.skillsusa.org/credentials.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 442,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.