Aug 14 2005
Bosch Power Tools and Accessories supports SkillsUSA’s mission to ensure the development of America’s skilled workforce of tomorrow.
In sharing this vision, Bosch proudly continued its sponsorship of the annual SkillsUSA National Championship Competition held in Kansas City, Missouri, June 21 – 25, 2005.
Bosch encourages others in the industry to evaluate their role in developing tomorrow’s talent, and consider supporting SkillsUSA locally through state or territory chapters or at the national level. In all, more than 4,600 competitors participated in 80 hands-on SkillsUSA National Championship skill and leadership contests designed to promote the advancement of skilled labor. Bosch served as a main sponsor for the building-oriented TeamWorks competition, funded travel scholarships, title sponsored the opening ceremonies, and brought its Big Blue traveling road show. In all, the company donated more than $100,000 to this year’s event.
“With nearly 14,000 students, teachers, advisors and family in attendance this year,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director, SkillsUSA, “the support Bosch provides is essential to making SkillsUSA a success.”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure the development of America’s skilled workforce through education. From students in the trades and industrial occupational training to technical, service and health related fields, those involved with SkillsUSA come from all backgrounds. The organization’s mission hits close to home for Bosch, which has supported trade-oriented education in various capacities for years.
“Bosch recognizes the growing crisis related to the lack of skilled professionals entering the building industry,” said Frank Carroll, president, Bosch Power Tools North America and current SkillsUSA board member. “It is up to manufacturers, such as Bosch, and other industry players to support the next generation of professional men and women.”
In the classroom, SkillsUSA’s supports the development of curriculum and programs designed to enhance career and technical education. The organization also works to garner education funding and support through both government and private channels. In the competition arena, SkillsUSA holds the championships annually to recognize students’ achievements and encourage them to continue to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen occupations. The national competition represents the best of the best. In the Bosch sponsored TeamWorks competition, for example, more than 30 student teams of four from all across the country at both high school and college levels come together to demonstrate their skills in residential carpentry, plumbing, electricity and masonry by building a portion of a house. In addition to being judged on their results, each team receives points for safety practices and procedures, a written and oral presentation, timeliness of work, and even how they manage the ordering and inventory of tools and materials. Each of these areas represents skill sets necessary to excel in for their future careers.
“It is the raw talent of these competitors and everyone who dreams of careers in the trades that will allow the building industry to prosper,” said Carroll. “Whether you are a builder or a supplier, the future of the industry depends on them.”
Bosch plans to continue its participation with SkillsUSA and encourages others in the industry to evaluate their role in helping to develop tomorrow’s talent. In addition to national involvement, industry players can also support SkillsUSA on a local level through the various chapters that exist in the combined 54 states and territories.
For more information about SkillsUSA, visit www.skillsusa.org.