LEESBURG, Va. - SkillsUSA, the organization that represents the United States in the WorldSkills Competition, hosted 16 student members of the SkillsUSA WorldTeam in Washington, D.C. The students met with government officials from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor and the Canadian Embassy. The group also toured the nation’s capital as they prepared to depart for the 40th international event held Sept. 1-7 in Calgary, Canada.

“These extraordinary students have worked and trained vigorously to represent the United States at the WorldSkills Competition and we want them to know how proud we are to have them as members of the WorldTeam,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA.

Every two years, hundreds of young people from 51 member countries compete in the WorldSkills Competition. Member countries include Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil, and many other global economic competitors to the United States.

Considered “the best of the best” of the world’s future skilled work force, these contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction, and services.

Accompanied by their teachers, trainers, and industry technical experts, these young people compete before the public in contests that are run by and judged by industry using demanding international standards.

For more information, visit www.skillsusa.org or www.worldskills.org.

Publication date: 10/12/2009