If you’d like to see hundreds of career and technical education students go head-to-head in Mississippi’s largest youth craft competition ever, then check out this year’s SkillsUSA event.
We, Build Mississippi, are hosting this year’s state competition will be April 2-3, 2024 in the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson. Teams of the top CTE students from around the state will work against the clock and each other to prove their expertise in carpentry, cabinet making, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal, welding and various teamwork skills. This year’s winners of SkillsUSA will advance to the national competition in Atlanta, GA this summer.
“These competing students represent the future of Mississippi’s backbone,” said Build Mississippi’s President, Brent Bean. “The future infrastructure and financial growth of Mississippi depends on these aspiring students and we are so honored to aid them in this mission. There are 100,000 craft positions needed in our state and these students are closing that gap. They will build Mississippi and carry our state into the future.”
In addition to the competition, this year’s event will feature the 2nd annual signing day. We will be celebrating current students signing to work with the top employers in the state. It’s not only a major milestone for these students, but for the state as well as we work diligently to fill the worker’s gap with trained professionals.
The Mississippi Department of Education, various industry partners and contractors, trade associations and labor organizations are helping us host this year’s SkillsUSA.
“Not only is SkillsUSA a great opportunity for showcasing skills in a competitive environment, but it’s also a wonderful networking opportunity. Current CTE students can meet with and show their skills to Mississippi’s top industry employers,” said Bean. “We have, on more than one occasion, seen students receive job offers right off the floor.”
Representative Jill Ford will also be guest speaking at the event. She will be sharing words of encouragement and gratitude to the competitors and those considering the trades route. “We are so honored to have [her] speak this year, “ said Bean. “Having someone of her influence support careers in construction is beyond valuable to the mission of Build Mississippi.”
“This is one of the most important events of the year,” said Bean. “Much more than a competition, it celebrates the many ways modern CTE programs are preparing students for stable, rewarding futures that will help build Mississippi’s future.”
Build Mississippi’s mission is to promote careers, recruit capable individuals and train a quality workforce for the construction and manufacturing industries in the state of Mississippi. We also offer workforce training and credentialing in construction, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing trades.