Career and technical students from Limestone County recently earned certificates at the 2019 SkillsUSA Championships, according to a press release.

The competition was held in Louisville, Kentucky, June 26-27. More than 6,500 students competed at the event.

Local Limestone County Career Technical Center students who competed were as follows:

• Preston Wren of Athens was awarded a Skill Point certificate in computer programming;

• Jordan Fielding of Elkmont was awarded a Skill Point certificate in firefighting; and

• Layla D. Norton of Elkmont was awarded a Skill Point certificate in cosmetology.

About the competition

The SkillsUSA Championships is the largest skill competition in the world and covers 1.4 million square feet, equivalent to 20 football fields or 25 acres.

Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 103 hands-on competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking.

Industry leaders from 600 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their standards for entry-level workers. Industry support of the SkillsUSA Championships is valued at over $36 million in donated time, equipment, cash and material.

More than 1,100 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year.

Skill Point certificates were awarded in 72 occupational and leadership areas to students who met a threshold contest score defined by industry. The Skill Point certificate is a component of SkillsUSA’s assessment program for career and technical education.

“More than 6,500 students from every state in the nation participated in the 2019 SkillsUSA Championships,” said SkillsUSA executive director Tim Lawrence. “This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates our SkillsUSA partnership at its finest. Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels. This program expands learning and career opportunities for our members.”