ATLANTA — The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) officially opened on June 23, drawing more than 18,000 students, educators, and industry leaders to the Georgia World Congress Center for a week-long celebration of career and technical education (CTE). The event, which runs through June 27, marks the largest gathering in SkillsUSA history and underscores the growing national focus on workforce readiness and skilled trades.
Hosted annually, the NLSC serves as the premier showcase for emerging talent in over 100 skilled and leadership fields, from welding and healthcare to robotics and public speaking. This year’s conference features over 6,500 state champions competing in the SkillsUSA Championships, a rigorous series of hands-on contests designed and judged by industry professionals to reflect real-world standards and expectations.
“This conference is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of American workers,” said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “Our students are not only demonstrating technical excellence but also the leadership and adaptability that employers are demanding across every sector.”
The conference kicked off with a high-energy Opening Session at State Farm Arena, featuring keynote speaker Mike Rowe, a longtime advocate for the skilled trades. Rowe emphasized the importance of valuing hands-on careers and the role of CTE in closing the nation’s skills gap.
In addition to the competitions, the NLSC offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including SkillsUSA University workshops, leadership academies, and the TECHSPO trade show—the nation’s largest technical education expo. TECHSPO provides attendees with access to the latest tools, technologies, and career pathways, connecting students directly with employers and industry innovators.
Among the standout stories this year is Julissa Sanchez, a senior from Greater Lawrence Technical School in Methuen, Massachusetts. After earning a gold medal in Medical Assisting at the state level, Sanchez is now competing nationally. “Inspired by my grandmother’s struggle with diabetes, I knew I wanted to be a part of a medical team,” she said. “SkillsUSA has given me the confidence and skills to pursue that dream.”
The conference also includes a community service project titled “Build Skills – Do Good – Complete the Cycle,” where students apply their abilities to benefit local Atlanta children. This initiative reflects SkillsUSA’s commitment to civic engagement and the development of well-rounded professionals.
Aerotek, a leading staffing and workforce solutions firm, serves as the presenting sponsor of this year’s event, highlighting the critical role of industry partnerships in bridging education and employment. “We’re proud to support SkillsUSA and invest in the future of the skilled workforce,” said an Aerotek spokesperson.
The conference concludes on June 27 with an awards ceremony recognizing the top performers in each competition. As the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, events like the NLSC play a vital role in preparing students for successful careers and addressing the nation’s workforce challenges.
