CPTC showcases tomorrow’s workforce at 2025 Washington SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference
By Jean Borst
The Clover Park Technical College campus was buzzing with excitement and talent on March 29 as more than 3,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from middle schools, high schools and colleges across the state participated in the 2025 Washington SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.
Hosted by CPTC for the third consecutive year, the event featured more than 120 competitions spanning 16 career clusters and 150 career paths. More than 500 industry professionals were on hand to judge competitions, interact with students, and interview and hire future workers.
CPTC students shine at competition
Several CPTC students excelled in the competition, showcasing their skills in various trades. Congratulations to the following top finishers:
- Automated Manufacturing Technology: Alex Colocho, Imane Qabil and Jadeon Scranton (gold)
- CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer: Layth Al Hamadani (gold), Sidnee Shropshire (silver) and Logan Vannoy (bronze)
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC): Ammon West (gold) and Asher Fenton (silver)
- Welding Fabrication: Jack Eason, Ellia Bader-Williams and Hannah Bowman (gold); and Leonardo Rosas Velazquez, Riley Witt and Isaac Correa (silver).
Gold medalists earned the right to compete nationally at the SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta this June.
Building a skilled workforce
The annual event was presented by SkillsUSA Washington, which is part of a national partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives dedicated to building a highly skilled workforce. The national organization serves more than 413,000 CTE students and teachers nationwide. State competitions focus on some of the most highly skilled and in-demand trade areas in the country.
“It’s imperative to expose our skilled and talented students to industry,” said SkillsUSA Washington Executive Director Karmen Warner. “There’s a huge disconnect between students and industry, yet industry leaders are constantly telling us they need more qualified workers with technical skills and knowledge. The students are already here.”
Inspiring educators and students
The SkillsUSA experience has been a transformative experience for students and educators. Jessa Nocis, Lead Advisor for Cheney High School SkillsUSA and Eastern Regional Coordinator, returned for her second year with nine students.
“SkillsUSA has reinvigorated my career,” said Nocis. “It’s more fun when students are invested in the program. The competition helps them connect with their craft and introduces them to industry partnerships through career fairs and internships.”
For students like Royal High School junior PJ Bujanda, who participated in the medical terminology competition, SkillsUSA is a stepping stone to future success.
“In special education, you need to know medical terms and be ready for anything, she said. “SkillsUSA will help me prepare for the classroom and understand what’s happening with the students.”
For students at Wishkah Valley School in Aberdeen, SkillsUSA has opened doors to new opportunities. Principal Shannon Patterson and Superintendent Rich Rasanen brought two students to compete in cinematography. “SkillsUSA is the perfect way to expose them to hands-on projects that align with industry standards,” Patterson said. “It brings them face to face with the skills and resources they can use to succeed in real-world careers.”
“It also helps them realize that anything is possible,” Rasanen said.
Preparing students for industry success
Adam Scroggins, ITS & Cybersecurity Instructor at Pierce County Skills Center (PCSC) and Board Chair of SkillsUSA Washington, has seen the direct impact of SkillsUSA on students’ career readiness.
“Students who participate in SkillsUSA are better qualified for entry-level jobs than many college graduates,” he said. “They know how to show up on time, communicate professionally and solve problems – skills often lacking in other education systems.”
Dominic Nauth, a PCSC junior who plans to become an IT technician, joined more than 100 of his fellow PCSC students at this year’s event. “SkillsUSA has been a great opportunity to improve my customer service skills, which will help me no matter where I go in my career.”
Making industry connections
Beyond the competitions, SkillsUSA also provides students with invaluable opportunities to connect directly with industry professionals. Career fairs, internships and discussions with industry leaders gave students the chance to explore career paths and make valuable connections that could lead to future employment or educational opportunities.
“It’s about more than just technical skills,” Kelso High School welding teacher Lance Ganieany said. “SkillsUSA helps develop problem-solving abilities, precision, and a strong work ethic—qualities that lead to success in any career.”
A promise for the future
“This year’s event was filled with promise,” Karmen Warner said. “It was incredible to have major manufacturing companies like Papè, Boeing, Lowes and Bosch judging the competitions and interacting with students throughout the event. They’re instilling belief in these students, and the students are incredibly grateful.”
For Warner, a social media post from a student who participated in this year’s plumbing competition captured the spirit of the event perfectly: “It’s so great to have judges that want me to be successful in life and worth something in this world.”
She hopes that more industry involvement in future events. “If you’re struggling to find qualified workers, we have a solution,” she said.
For a recap of the 2025 State Leadership and Skills Conference, check out this video from SkillsUSA. You can find competition results and more information on the SkillsUSA Washington website.