LEESBURG, Va. (Aug. 6, 2009) — Job training organization SkillsUSA is sending 16 students, including an automotive technician, to Canada to compete in the 40th international WorldSkills Competition.
Representing the U.S. “WorldTeam” for the Sept. 1-7 competition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, will be Jack Frederick, of Wichita, Kan., who is a student at Pittsburg State University. He will represent the U.S. in the WorldSkills Automobile Technology Competition. Mr. Frederick earned the right to be a member of the WorldTeam by winning local, district and national contests in automobile technology under the SkillsUSA program, the organization said.
Every two years, hundreds of young people from 51 member countries or regions compete in the WorldSkills Competition, according to Leesburg-based SkillsUSA, which is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. Considered “the best of the best,” contestants—who must be under the age of 23—compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction and services and are judged by industry using demanding international standards. They are accompanied by their teachers, trainers and industry technical committee experts.
More than 1,000 students are expected to test their skills in the competition in Calgary, which will be attended by 5,000 international experts, delegates and judges from around the world and 3,000 volunteers.
According to WorldSkills International rules, automobile technology competitors must be able to understand the functioning of a vehicle's seven key systems; carry out troubleshooting, maintenance and repair work; and work logically and systematically, adhering to health and safety regulations.
Companies and organizations supporting the U.S. team's participation in the WorldSkills Competition include: Lowe's Companies Inc.; National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE); Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES); Chrysler Group L.L.C.; General Motors Corp.; Hunter Engineering Co.; National Auto Service Technical Committee; Pittsburg State University; Raytheon Co.; Snap-on Tools Inc.; and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.