SkillsUSA, Industry Giants to Celebrate Thousands of Students Committing to Essential Careers

SkillsUSA Contact:
Clare Briner
cbriner@skillsusa.org

LEESBURG, Va. (April 22, 2026) — On May 6, 2026, the roar of the crowd won’t be for a quarterback or a point guard — it will be for the welders, cyber-technicians, chefs and builders who are the backbone of the American economy.

SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, will host its annual National Signing Day, a nationwide celebration honoring thousands of career and technical education (CTE) students as they “sign” and publicly commit to their career paths – whether that’s a job offer, apprenticeship/internship, or advancing in CTE/technical training.

Redefining the “Professional”

In a shifting economic landscape where generative AI is disrupting traditional office roles, SkillsUSA National Signing Day highlights a new generation of professionals. These students are entering high-demand, high-tech fields that offer job security, competitive starting salaries, and a pathway to leadership without the burden of excessive student debt.

“SkillsUSA National Signing Day is our way of celebrating students who choose a skilled future,” said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “We treat our Signing Day with the same prestige as a D1 athletic draft because these students are the elite athletes of the labor market. They are the ones who will build our cities, secure our networks, and power our infrastructure.”

Powered by Industry Leaders

This massive undertaking is made possible through the support of SkillsUSA’s partners, including Stand Together, BMW, General Motors, Tennant Company, State Farm, Ford Philanthropy and the U.S. Navy. These organizations aren’t just sponsors; they are the recruiters and mentors waiting at the finish line to welcome these students into the workforce.

What to Expect on May 6:

• Lowe’s Blue Carpet Events: Lowe’s stores in Tucson, Arizona; Bakersfield, California; Orlando, Florida; Brockport, New York; and Lubbock, Texas; will roll out the Blue Carpet to honor student signers from a local SkillsUSA chapter. The stores and their employees will celebrate students in ceremonies designed to elevate the visibility of skilled trades.
• Industry Connected Events: SkillsUSA partners will host dynamic National Signing Day events for SkillsUSA chapters that align with their industry.
• Localized “Signing Day” Ceremonies: Hundreds of local SkillsUSA chapters will host high-energy signing events at schools across the country.
• Letter of Congratulations: Members from all participating SkillsUSA chapters will receive congratulatory letters from industry professionals celebrating the student’s commitment to pursuing a skilled career.
• Social Media Spotlight: Follow the day’s events @SkillsUSA on Instagram and Facebook or use the hashtag #SkillsUSANationalSigningDay to offer your congratulations to the thousands of students across the country who will sign letters of intent.

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 444,000 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.