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Program of Work

Program of Work poster

Click above to download a copy of the poster.

Why should your chapter create a yearly SkillsUSA Program of Work (PoW)? When a chapter provides rich experiences in all six categories of the PoW, it empowers students to become career ready. These activities allow students the opportunity to practice and perform the Essential Elements of the SkillsUSA Framework and receive feedback to strengthen their skills. 

The SkillsUSA Program of Work Categories

The SkillsUSA program of work is divided into six categories. 

Why these six categories? They define areas of focus for a well-run chapter in the same way a well-run business may be divided into different divisions. Each division has specific responsibilities, but all contribute to the overall success to the business.

Each program of work category has activities for the committee to facilitate for the entire chapter. Program of work committees each contribute to the ultimate success of the chapter and the educational experiences provided to members.

Advocacy and Marketing

Advocacy and Marketing – Promote SkillsUSA chapter programs and career and technical education programs, public relations initiatives and experiences to build social responsibility.

Participation in the Advocacy and Marketing category creates a career-ready student that is able to:

  • Identify characteristics of effective marketing.
  • Promote your organization.
  • Advocate for self and your ideas.

Activities conducted in the category of Advocacy and Marketing might include:

  • Participate in SkillsUSA Week.
  • School board presentation.
  • Recruitment activity.
  • Active social media posts.
Community Engagement

Community Engagement – Assess community needs, identify services and employ skills to meet needs that develop long-lasting partnerships.

Participation in the Community Engagement category creates a career-ready student that is able to:

  • Assess and analyze needs.
  • Create a heart of service.
  • Apply technical skills for the benefit of others.

Activities in the category of Community Engagement might include:

  • Culinary student Teacher Appreciation Breakfast.
  • Automotive Student Oil change for military families.
  • Construction students building an accessibility ramp at a local elementary school.
  • Cosmetology students providing services at residents at a senior center.
Financial Management

Financial Management – Develop personal financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills through relevant work experience, project management and chapter fundraising.

Participation in the Financial Management category creates a career-ready student that is able to:

  • work efficiently and effectively within a budget.
  • effectively manage personal finances.
  • manage resources efficiently.

Activities in the category of Financial Management might include:

  • Host an entrepreneurial fair.
  • Financial Management guest speaker.
  • Chapter Fundraiser.
  • Students create personal budgets.
Leadership Development

Leadership Development – Establish interpersonal relationships, individual and team development through chapter operations, leadership competitions and individualized growth plans.

Participation in the Leadership Development category creates a career-ready student that is able to:

  • Communicate vision.
  • Inspire others to action to reach a common goal.
  • Equip and empower team members.
  • Develop interpersonal skills.

Activities in the category of Leadership Development might include:

  • Conduct a Leadership Workshop for all members.
  • Attend a Fall Leadership Conference.
  • Hold a Chapter Officer Retreat.
Partner and Alumni Engagement

Partner and Alumni Engagement – Engage former members, parents, advisory committees, administrators, faculty and business and industry partners in SkillsUSA chapter and classroom activities.

Participation in the Alumni and Partner Engagement category creates a career-ready student that is able to:

  • Appreciate the contributions of others.
  • Build a personal and professional network.
  • Recognize and value the expertise of others.

Activities in the category of Partner and Alumni Engagement might include:

  • Conduct Program Advisory Committee meetings.
  • Partners serve as mentors.
  • Recognize contributions of partners and alumni.
  • Provide business acumen and expertise to the chapters program of work.
Workplace Experiences

Workplace Experiences –Participation in career exploration, planning and work-based learning opportunities including the SkillsUSA Championships.

Participation in the Workplace Experiences category creates a career-ready student that is able to:

  • Gain relevant work experience.
  • Develop job seeking skills.
  • Understand workplace expectations.

Activities in the category of Workplace Experiences might include:

  • Conduct local championships.
  • Industry tour.
  • Resume & Mock Interview Day.
  • Virtual Employer Panel Discussions.
Program of Work Launch Activity Guide and Videos

This Program of Work Launch Guide was written for you and your chapter members. You will learn about six activities that are the basis for your chapter work for the school year.

Program of Work Icons
Program of Work Category Sheets