Moving Beyond the Skills Gap: How SkillsUSA Connects Students to Real Careers
The energy was electric at this year’s SkillsUSA TECHSPO in Atlanta, where over 18,000 students and educators gathered to explore hands-on careers. We were there, partnering with the NCCCO Foundation, and had an amazing time connecting with future carrying and rigging professionals at our interactive booth.
Making Real Connections
When it comes to crowd pleasing fun and interaction, nothing beats a crane simulator (thank you Industrial Training International!) And while the remote-control crane and truck simulators engaged students of all ages, the real magic happened in conversations with our SC&RF Workforce Ambassadors—Meagen Kehrt from Train for the Crane (IN), Brittany Bachman from Boulter Industrial (NY), and Ed Bullmer from Phoenix Crane Service (GA)—who shared their passion and expertise with countless visitors.
These face-to-face interactions transformed abstract career concepts into a hands-on reality. Students began to see the rewarding work, interesting challenges, and dare we say fun(!) opportunities open to them in the crane, rigging, and specialized transportation industry.
Why SkillsUSA Matters
Recent research out of Georgetown University reveals our nation faces an annual shortage of nearly 712,000 certificates and associate degrees for high-paying middle-skills jobs—positions where early-career workers earn above $55,000 annually and mid-career professionals reach median earnings of $83,300. The skilled trades represent a significant portion of this opportunity gap, and SkillsUSA serves as a critical bridge connecting classroom learning with real-world applications.
How to Get Involved
For Employers: SC&RA members can join the SC&RF Workforce Ambassador Program to connect with educators and receive exclusive resources including career postcards and educator flyers. Consider partnering with local SkillsUSA chapters through mentorship, facility tours, or equipment sponsorship.
For Educators: Start or enhance your SkillsUSA chapter by contacting your state association. Connect with local SC&RA companies through the Workforce Ambassador Program to provide students with real-world context and industry expertise.
For Students: Find your local SkillsUSA chapter and explore competitions in heavy equipment operation, construction skills, and logistics. Seek industry mentorship through career fairs and facility tours with local crane and rigging companies.
The Path Forward
Our SkillsUSA experience reinforced what we know: young people are eager to explore careers that offer both meaning and stability. The students at our booth weren’t just operating simulators—they were discovering industries that literally move the world, supporting construction, manufacturing, disaster response, and infrastructure development.
Visitors to our booth left with contact information for local training programs and a new understanding of opportunities in their communities. These connections are what transform workforce shortages into career pathways.
The skilled labor gap won’t close itself, but events like SkillsUSA TECHSPO prove that when industry and education collaborate, we can build a pipeline of skilled professionals ready for tomorrow’s challenges.