Skills USA Returns to the Technology Center 

Skills USA Returns to the Technology Center as the Steamfitters UA449 facility once again welcomed top welding students from across the region. On January 9, the center hosted the Skills USA District 10 competition, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their trade skills in a competitive environment.

“They’re athletes in their trade, and this [competition] gives them an amazing opportunity to put the skills they’ve learned in their vocational classes to the test,” said 3-man fabrication team Chairman Travis Crate.

 

The competition featured two main events: 3-man welding fabrication, a team event that stimulates the metal production workflow, and single-person welding, where students are challenged to complete steel and aluminum projects.  

 

Events like Skills USA Returns to the Technology Center clearly highlight the strong partnership between education and industry. In addition, by hosting the competition, the Steamfitters UA449 Technology Center reinforces its commitment to workforce development. Not only do students compete, but they also connect with instructors, apprentices, and industry leaders. As a result, the event becomes both a competition and a meaningful career-building opportunity across Western Pennsylvania.

Moreover, the return of Skills USA to the Technology Center demonstrates UA449’s ongoing commitment to technical excellence and long-term workforce growth.

 

“Students get an up-close look at what it’s like to work in the industry at the elite level,” said welding Chairman Ted Zablocki. “They’re standing right there working side-by-side with real apprentices that work in the field.” 

 

3-man fabrication event results: 

 

• • 1^st Place: Venango Technology Center 

 

• • 2^nd Place: Mercer County Career Center 

 

• • 3^rd Place: Lenape Technical School 

Welding event results: 

 

• • 1^st Place: Venango Technology Center 

 

• • 2^nd Place: Lenape Technical School 

 

• • 3^rd Place: Crawford County Technical Center  

First-place teams will advance to the state competition in their categories in March at Penn College in Williamsport.