MDCC Celebrates Career-Tech Month by Hosting High School SkillsUSA Competition
February is Career and Technical Education Month—a time to honor the critical role that career and technical education plays in shaping a skilled workforce for the future. In keeping with this celebration, Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) proudly hosted the high school SkillsUSA competition on February 4, welcoming 88 competitors from seven schools across the region.
SkillsUSA is a dynamic partnership that unites career-technical students, teachers and industry leaders to ensure America’s workforce is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. This year’s event featured participation from Canton Career Center, Choctaw County Career & Tech Center, Cleveland Career Development & Technology Center, Holmes County Career and Technical Center, Kosciusko-Attala Career Tech Center, Leland Career & Technical Center, and Yazoo City Career and Technical Center.
The competition showcased a diverse array of skill categories, including carpentry, extemporaneous speaking, job interview, job skill demo A, job skill demo open, prepared speech, quiz bowl, related technical math, teamwork, welding and welding fabrication.
MDCC’s Electrical Technology Instructor, David Grant, served as the competition coordinator. “This event is an excellent opportunity to better prepare students for the state competition scheduled for early April,” Grant explained. “This competition also aids in the development of each competitor by giving them the opportunity to stand out and be recognized for their achievements.”
Allison Folk, Dean of Career-Technical and Adult Education, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “It’s truly inspiring to see so many talented, career-tech-minded students gathered here, ready to showcase their skills, dedication, and passion. Competitions like this celebrate students’ hard work and their bright futures ahead.”
Recognized as America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, SkillsUSA views events like this as a crucial step in nurturing the future workforce. The student-led partnership is dedicated to building a pipeline of career-ready graduates from day one.
The success of the SkillsUSA competition at MDCC is a testament to the college’s commitment to quality education and to fostering the hands-on skills necessary for the workforce of tomorrow. As we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, MDCC remains steadfast in its mission to support and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.
