ATLANTA GA (05.28.24) – SkillsUSA prepares students for the workforce and students in the Mobile Electronics Division will compete for recognition at the National Competition in Atlanta. The conference will be held at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta June 24th-28th and will attract over 6500 competitors in 110 competitions.
KICKER Audio is a strong supporter of the SkillsUSA initiative. Aaron Malin, TECH Force Global Training Manager, has participated in previous SkillsUSA National Conferences. Malin and Jacob Luckey, KICKER Global Trainer, will be headed to Atlanta for the 2024 Skills USA Conference.
“Each student prepared to perform to their best abilities for the judges at regional events in states across the US. Some of the stations included soldering, wiring speakers and identifying components. Students were judged on their proficiency in those particular skills and only the top qualified for the upcoming Convention in Atlanta.” Malin stated. KICKER participated in local (Stillwater) and state (Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater) Skills USA competitions this spring in preparation for the National Competition.
SkillsUSA works to bring motivated individuals to the workforce and teach them lifelong skills. There are local, state and national competitions with all states participating, according to SkillsUSA.org. Its mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
The 12-volt industry is in need of more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table. The overall employment of mobile electronics installers and technicians is projected to show little to no change from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics years.
“We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” related Malin. “Take out qualified… they can’t find people to hire.” Malin will again be one of the judges for the National SkillsUSA competition and has been judging for three years. Malin added that many of the students are put in a position where they can find a suitable job by participating in SkillsUSA National Conference.
Through SkillsUSA, students have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and make lifelong friends. “It is always exciting when you see the ‘lightbulb’ moment as something really clicks in the mind of a student,” Malin said. “The ‘ah hah!’ that lets you know they really got it! Last year at the national competition in Atlanta, one young man was so excited to introduce me to his mom and siblings after we really connected during his job interview competition. He experienced my admiration and his family’s proud moment, all at the same time.”
“Students not only receive valuable skills from these events, but also priceless communication skills. From difficult interviews, to speaking with industry professionals and presenting their skills they also learn difficult communication skills” stated Chris Jack, Technical Chairperson for mobile electronics installation, for SkillsUSA. “My father always said that “I don’t care if you’re going to wipe up dirt off the floor, wear a suit and tie to an interview…no matter what it’s for.”
Jack added “Along with KICKER’s continued strong support we recently received support from 12volt companies DB Drive, DOW Technologies, VOXX Electronics and Vickers AV for the National Convention in Atlanta.
Concluding Malin commented “The12volt industry needs workers more than ever, and SkillsUSA helps to ensure that they are proficient in their trade. I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry members and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level. As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in our very exciting and quickly evolving industry.”
For more information, visit SkillsUSA.org or contact Chris Jack who handles the 12volt portion of SkillsUSA. Email Chris Jack at cnjacklausd@aol.com
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