SkillsUSA WY Brass Tacks
09/02/2026
Wyoming SkillsUSA Advisors,
What a busy couple of weeks it has been! I was able to travel to Rock Springs to see the new Trades Academy that is under construction and will open later this fall. This will provide incredible opportunities and experiences for our CTE Students. I've also had the pleasure of meeting with many of you virtually or over the phone. I can't wait to pop into some more schools!
**We are so excited to announce we are exploring a new competition and have had great industry support already! Heavy Equipment Operation is an important area of every work site, and industry partners would love to have students gain experience before they leave high school or post-secondary. We are trying to gage interest and decide how we could best make this happen. Please complete the survey so we have the best information to move forward. SkillsUSA WY HOA Contest Survey - Google Forms
** If you have students in the Career Pathways, please review the tech standards in Pathful. The names and career clusters have changed quite a bit. Also, please note that Job Demo "Open" is now Job Demo " B". The competition is the same, the name was changed to make avoid confusion.
** Additionally, we are spearheading the first Regional Welding competition across the state this year to give our welding fabrication teams more opportunities This will be held February 26, 2027. Registration will begin 1/18/2027 and close 1/29/2027. More details to come on, but please get these important dates in your calendar if you have welders who would like to compete. Thanks to all of the contest chairs and advisors for working tirelessly on this to make it a success
** Hopefully we will see you at the Fall Leadership Conference, November 16-17 in Casper!! Registration is due by October 30th.
Fall Leadership Conference – SkillsUSA Wyoming
**Mid America in Omaha is also sneaking up on us. Here is the registration link if you can attend as advisors. Mid-America Leadership Conference – Nebraska Skills USA
FROM THE NATIONAL OFFICE!
Industry Insider: Showcasing Your Future with IBM
Explore how technology is shaping careers across industries while learning more about in-demand tech pathways and the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.
Join SkillsUSA and IBM for an exclusive Industry Insider session showcasing the FREE career exploration resources available through IBM SkillBuild.
During this interactive virtual event, students will hear directly from industry professionals, spanning roles in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics, explore emerging technology careers, and learn how IBM SkillBuild can help them build valuable skills for the future. We encourage students and advisors to have their computers nearby so they can actively participate and explore the available courses in IBM SkillsBuild during the session!
Date: September 17, 2026
Time: Noon - 12:50 p.m. ET
Audience: Students and advisors
Registration Details
Already a SkillsUSA member? Log in to SkillsUSA Pathful and register for the event here.
SkillsUSA Pathful is SkillsUSA’s all-in-one career-readiness platform and an exclusive benefit of SkillsUSA membership, connecting students and educators with career exploration, work-based learning and career-readiness resources.
Not a SkillsUSA member? You can still participate! Register for the event here.
Interested in accessing SkillsUSA Pathful and other exclusive member benefits? Learn more about joining SkillsUSA here.
Explore IBM Resources
Advisors, share these resources with your students and encourage them to explore the following activities: Your Future in AI, Your Future in Data, and Your Future in Cybersecurity.
John Deere Partnership: Technical Session
John Deere is here to help! Join us for a technical session focused on diesel equipment technology, skilled trades, and career pathways.
Thursday, October 8 | Noon – 12:50 p.m. ET
SkillsUSA Pathful LMS
Educators will explore John Deere resources and support for instructors and programs, including a basic electrical lesson and demonstration, the John Deere TECH Program, dealership career pathways, and opportunities to connect with local John Deere dealerships.
Register
Already a SkillsUSA member? Log in to SkillsUSA Pathful and register for the event here.
SkillsUSA Pathful is SkillsUSA’s all-in-one career-readiness platform and an exclusive benefit of SkillsUSA membership, connecting students and educators with career exploration, work-based learning and career-readiness resources.
Not a SkillsUSA member? You can still participate! Register for the event here.
Interested in accessing SkillsUSA Pathful and other exclusive member benefits? Learn more about joining SkillsUSA here.
John Deere is ready to partner with SkillsUSA educators and help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.
As always, please reach out if I can help with anything at all.
Shellie Hardsocg
wyomingskillsusa@gmail.com (307)286-0888