ATLANTA, GA (06.27.24) – SkillsUSA prepares students for the workforce and students in the Mobile Electronics Division are competing for recognition at the National Competition in Atlanta. The conference is taking pace at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta June 24th-28th and has attracted 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, arrived in Atlanta onTuesday and spent the day setting up 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 this year’s Convention in Atlanta. KICKER participated in local (Stillwater) and state (Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater) Skills USA competitions this spring in preparation for the National Competition” Malin stated.
Continuing “Wednesday morning all got underway with the competition sessions with a lot of excitement throughout the center. Scott Dilbeck from Sky High Car Audio is in the house and helped with set up and judged a radio installation session. James Simpson from Vickers AV and Soundsations is on site helping with judging. Industry vertean Bryan Gary volunteed and also helping with judging. Erin Smith came from Savannah Technial College too. One competitor from last year came to judge this year.”
SkillsUSA works to bring motivated individuals to the workforce and teach them lifelong skills. There were 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.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. 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” Malin concluded.
“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.
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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