SkillsUSA Partners with Pathful to Deliver Work-Based Learning Platform to Student Members

SkillsUSA Contact:
Clare Briner
cbriner@skillsusa.org

Pathful Contact
Lindsay Hallam
lhallam@pathful.com

New Partnership Connects Students with Industry Professionals, Virtual Job Shadows and Real-World Work Experiences

Leesburg, Va., Sept. 2, 2025 — SkillsUSA and Pathful today announced a partnership that brings a comprehensive work-based learning platform to SkillsUSA’s more than 444,000 members nationwide. The collaboration combines SkillsUSA’s industry-recognized framework with Pathful’s work-based learning and career readiness development technology to connect students directly with careers and professionals in skilled trades and technical careers.

The new SkillsUSA Pathful platform provides members with immediate access to virtual job shadows, industry-led projects, career exploration and development tools geared toward career and technical education students. This marks the first time SkillsUSA members will have unified access to such comprehensive career readiness resources through a single platform.

“At SkillsUSA, we believe every student should have the chance to discover their purpose and pursue a career they’re passionate about,” said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “This exciting collaboration with Pathful allows us to bring our nation’s business and industry leaders directly into classrooms bridging the gap between education and the workforce. By doing so, we’re expanding access to high-quality career and technical education and shining a spotlight on the essential role of skilled trades. This partnership is more than a connection. It’s a catalyst for students to explore, engage with, and ultimately shape their own futures in the world of work.”

Key Platform Features for SkillsUSA Members:

• Member Benefits – Access member benefits for both advisors and, for the first time, students, including SkillsUSA Framework skill-building resources, chapter development tools, and career competition materials.
• Exclusive Career Experiences – Live, virtual connections between SkillsUSA student members and industry professionals.
• Virtual Job Shadows – Immersive video experiences showcasing careers in manufacturing, STEM, entrepreneurship and skilled trades.
• Real-World Projects – Employer and industry-led assignments that connect classroom learning to workplace applications.

“For nearly 20 years, Pathful has been creating authentic career exploration opportunities for learners across the country,” said Ryan Hagedorn, Pathful CEO. “We all want to do what we love as a career, and that’s really about finding that spark that aha moment where you feel ‘This is what I want to do with my life.’ Together with SkillsUSA, we’re meeting students right where they are and guiding them through every stage of their career discovery.”

The platform is available to all SkillsUSA members registered for the 2025-26 academic year at skillsusa.pathful.com. Members can log in using their existing SkillsUSA credentials to begin exploring careers.

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 Pathful

Pathful is the leading career readiness company serving over 2.5 million students nationwide. The platform empowers learners to identify and pursue meaningful career pathways through industry-informed experiences, comprehensive career exploration, and authentic skill development, creating a seamless bridge between education and future careers. Learn more at pathful.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, X, Facebook, and Instagram.