Benefits of SkillsUSA on Campus A Quick Overview of SkillsUSA College & Technical Programs Louisiana
Purpose of presentation: Who does SkillsUSA serve? What does SkillsUSA do? How does it do it? What are the benefits?
“Why should we have SkillsUSA?” The most common questions: Why should we have SkillsUSA on this campus? Who’ll benefit? How?
“Why should we have SkillsUSA?” The most important answer: students, faculty, administration business & the community Each benefits from a SkillsUSA chapter. Here’s how. . .
Common needs and objectives Three partners share some common needs: Students beginning or changing their careers Instructors who want to improve their instructional programs to help students to be more successful Employers looking for qualified employees
The secret’s in the structure. . . A SkillsUSA chapter establishes a structure benefiting all of the partners: All partners are involved All partners can meet their needs & It’s highly adaptable The chapter is transportation It’s how “we get to where we want to be today”
The secret’s in the substance The focus is on students SkillsUSA works for older, adult students because it is: immediately relevant activity-oriented provides needed skills tangible benefits student empowerment
Mission statement Our mission statement: . . .to help its student members become world-class workers and responsible American citizens. …SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure that America has a skilled workforce. We help each student excel.
For postsecondary/college An association of students and faculty dedicated to developing student excellence in: Personal and professional teamwork communications goal-setting and supervisory skills
What are the features? First, there’s the SkillsUSA chapter Relevant to occupational instruction Students and faculty form an officially recognized student organization on campus Work together as a team Work with elected officers and committees Deliver a “program of work” Actively involve employers
What are the features? Second, there is no “one size fits all” occupation specific involve many occupations part of a course for credit professional society related to professional society campus-wide structure and impact part of student government
The Program of Work Students determine activities in “program of work” Professional development Community service Competitions (SkillsUSA Championships) Social Fund raising
Additional features Networking (business, education, personal) Communications and information On-campus activities and seminars District, state and national conferences Connection to standards projects & professional societies Curriculum Visibility
Student benefits Networking Development of employability skills Employer, business, community, education and personal contacts Development of employability skills Hands-on & leadership skill experience Distinction and challenge (competitions) Recognition (officers, team members, leadership awards)
Benefits to faculty & institutions Student recruitment and retention Adaptable structure to teach essential employability skills Community recognition and support Focus and avenue for business support, involvement and sponsorship Opportunities for college credit
Benefits to industry & employers Direct access to better-qualified employees Recruit students into their occupational areas Support and add relevance to the education system Build image of occupations with potential workers an community Visibility of their own businesses
Everyone wins Each partner’s needs relate to other partners Needs are ongoing; they’re part of education, training and employment Chapter provides structure & substance to continually meet those needs
Thanks Thanks for listening and for your interest in SkillsUSA National SkillsUSA is dedicated to the needs and success of our members When we talk to our alumni and sponsors, they tell us “Keep it up. It’s working.” For further information: 225-219-0289 or http://www.SkillsUSA.org http://laskillusa.org or e-mail Lrabalais@Theltc.com