SkillsUSA names Tennessee Mechatronics Champions to 2026 WorldSkills USA Team

SkillsUSA Contact:
Clare Briner
cbriner@skillsusa.org

Duo will bring skills to international competition with support from DENSO 

LEESBURG, VA – November 18, 2025 – SkillsUSA has selected Evan Chow and James Sutherland, both of Knoxville, Tenn., as the official competitors in the two-person mechatronics competition for the 2026 WorldSkills Competition. This prestigious international skills competition, often referred to as the “Olympics of skilled trades,” will be held Sept. 22 -27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

Chow and Sutherland, who both attended Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tenn., are the 2025 Tennessee college/postsecondary state champions for mechatronics and the bronze medalists in national SkillsUSA Championships, which are held annually as part of the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta. The pair are employed by DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville, Tenn.

The mechatronics competition requires competitors to have 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 with different areas of expertise. Mechatronic specialists must have well developed skills in pneumatic technology, electrical and electronics systems, mechanical systems, and general automation techniques and practices, including systematic troubleshooting methods.

Sutherland describes mechatronics more simply as a fusion of electrical and mechanical engineering–two disciplines he’s passionate about and create a meaningful career.

“The more you look into the field of mechatronics the more you find a creative and sustainable career path,” he said. “The sustainable pace of technological advancement conjoined with my dream of creating and providing for a family of my own insured my path towards the field mechatronics.”

Chow said developing robotic and automation solutions blends creativity with technical precision.

“From building Legos as a kid to competing in high school robotics, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work and how to make them better,” he said. “That curiosity naturally led me to study mechanical engineering and computer science in college, where I discovered how both disciplines come together in mechatronic systems. Today, I’m fortunate to apply that same passion in my career at DENSO.”

DENSO, a leading mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today, is sponsoring Chow and Sutherland’s participation in the WorldSkills Competition.

“Jack and Evan began their careers at DENSO straight out of school, and their growth has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Thomas Shields, Senior Manager at DENSO’s North America Productivity Innovation Center. “Through their dedication and participation in SkillsUSA competitions, they’ve continually sharpened their skills and set their sights on the ultimate goal—representing both the USA and DENSO at WorldSkills 2026. We are incredibly proud of their journey so far and can’t wait to see where their talent and determination will take them next.”

The duo’s technical expert is Josh Whittington of Valdosta, Ga., who is the Executive Director of Development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Whittington has an extensive background that will be an asset to the team as they train, as a professor or mechatronics and workforce development expert with a passion for education training solutions, industrial systems and automation education. He has served as the WorldSkills USA mechatronics technical expert since 2018 and was a WorldSkills USA mechatronics competitor himself in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Whittington’s guidance will be critical as the men train for competition. Sutherland said they have a plan for day-to-day cross training until they compete in Shanghai in September.

“Preparing for the state and national level competitions has strengthened our technical skills while teaching us how to work efficiently and adeptly in high pressure situations,” Chow said. “Looking ahead to WorldSkills, we plan on carrying this momentum forward through training with mechatronic systems and mock competitions designed to test performance under pressure. We also plan on traveling to train with other teams which will be a good way to share techniques and learn from each other.”

Both men are honored to have been selected by SkillsUSA for the WorldSkills team.

“It feels like the greatest honor achievable in my field,” Sutherland said. “To be trusted with the representation of the U.S. in another country is an amazing responsibility that I am ecstatic to be chosen for.”

Mechatronics is the third competition in which the U.S. delegation will compete during WorldSkills. WorldSkills brings together young people, industry, education, and government leaders from around the world to advance career and technical education and training. Competitors vie for international honors in skill competitions, showcasing dozens of trade skills.

SkillsUSA already has named competitors in Automobile Technology and Plumbing and Heating. SkillsUSA will name additional competitors, experts and sponsors as it assembles the U.S. delegation in the coming months.

To support Chow and Sutherland and the WorldSkills USA team, donate at worldskillsusa.org/donate.

About WorldSkills USA

WorldSkills USA is the official U.S. representative to WorldSkills International, which is a global organization dedicated to raising the profile and recognition of skilled professionals. Since 1973, WorldSkills USA has been managed and represented by SkillsUSA.

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.

About WorldSkills

Since 1950, WorldSkills has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training. It provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. The continued growth of WorldSkills attests to the fact that traditional trade and craft skills, along with newer technology’s multi-skilled occupations, make an essential contribution to the economic and social well-being of people everywhere. For more information, go to: www.worldskills.org.