CPTC students showcase talent at SkillsUSA National Conference

By Jean Borst

Students from Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) joined more than 6,500 top competitors from across the country at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference held in Atlanta this June. The prestigious annual event celebrates excellence in high school and post-secondary career and technical education (CTE).

More than 140 students from Washington state – each having received gold medals at the 2025 SkillsUSA Washington State Leadership and Skills Conference (hosted by CPTC in March) – represented the state in Atlanta. Participants competed in 114 skills and leadership competitions, ranging from welding, carpentry and to culinary arts, graphic design, health care and more.

CPTC represents with pride

CPTC stood out as the only college representing Washington state at the national level. The college fielded four students who demonstrated their knowledge and technical expertise in two highly competitive categories:

• Ammon West – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC)
• Jack Eason, Ellia Bader-Williams and Leonardo Rosas Velazquez – Welding Fabrication

Four additional students earned gold medals at the state conference but were unable to attend the national event in Atlanta:

• Alex Colocho, Imane Qabil and Jadeon Scranton – Automated Manufacturing Technology
• Layth Al Hamadani – CNC 2-Axis Turning

Although CPTC students did not place nationally, their skills earned positive feedback – and even job offers from a union leader.

The team was accompanied by CPTC HVAC program instructor Anthony Hickonbottom and Welding Technology program instructor Amelia Riojas, who served as advisors throughout the event.

“It was an amazing event and a great experience for our students – from networking and learning opportunities to showcasing their skills on a national stage,” Hickonbottom said. “They showed up ready to represent their college and their state, and they made us proud. 

Hickonbottom added that for instructors, it was also a valuable opportunity to witness the high level of skills demonstrated by students from across the U.S.

A strong statewide showing

Washington state’s overall performance was outstanding, according to SkillsUSA Washington Executive Director Karmen Warner.

“More than 40 percent of our students placed in the top 10 of their competitions, and over 66 percent earned Skill Point Awards,” Warner said. “These awards signify that a student is industry-ready and prepared to walk onto a job site today.”

That’s a significant accomplishment, Warner noted.

“Skill Point Awards recognize hands-on proficiency, technical knowledge and professionalism – traits employers are looking for right now.”

While SkillsUSA showcases technical excellence, Warner emphasized that its broader mission is to develop the character, leadership and employability skills needed to thrive in the workforce.

“We want our students to demonstrate more than what they know,” she said. “We want them to have the soft skills that make them well-rounded, successful employees.”

Shaping tomorrow’s workforce

SkillsUSA is more than a competition. It’s also a launchpad for students to turn their education into an opportunity. At this year’s national conference, two Washington state students received full-time job offers on-site, including one from the Pierce County Skills Center, who was hired as a diesel technician by Cummins.

In a rapidly evolving workforce, SkillsUSA helps bridge the gap between education and real-world careers. The national conference highlights how students are mastering the in-demand skills that power today’s – and tomorrow’s – industries.

In Washington, SkillsUSA continues to grow in size and impact. Over the past three years, statewide membership has expanded from 2,300 to 7,000, with particularly strong growth in college participation. Last year, Washington experienced the largest increase in post-secondary involvement nationwide, and that trend is expected to continue.

“CPTC did a great job this year,” Warner said. “We’re excited to see continued growth from the college and others like it in the future.”