In this update:
Chapter Excellence Program: Application Deadline Friday
Every chapter is encouraged to participate in the Chapter Excellence Program and there are three award levels to recognize program involvement. The first two levels are acknowledged by a chapter’s state association and the third level is recognized nationally through Models of Excellence. Each level is designed to give chapters a benchmark for success and future improvement, leading to stronger chapters and more prepared students. The more a chapter applies the Framework in a meaningful and measured way, the greater the chance for CEP honors.
SkillsUSA Illinois offers heavily discounted registration to the State Leadership & Skills Conference based on Chapter Excellence Program participation.
Full Registration: $155 | CEP Level 1 Chapters: $140 | CEP Level 2 Chapters: $125
The application is open in SkillsUSA Register (register.skillsusa.org) and the deadline to apply is March 10, 2023. For more information, visit https://skillsusaillinois.org/cep.
State Leadership & Skills Conference Registration – Deadline Wednesday, March 15
The State Leadership & Skills Conference is the pinnacle conference for the students in SkillsUSA Illinois. Each year SkillsUSA Illinois heads to Peoria, IL for this showcase of career and technical education students. More than 5,000 individuals — including students, teachers, and business partners — are expected to participate in the multi-day event.
Chapter (school) registration is now open. The SLSC 2023 Registration Guide outlines all information for registering and preparing for State Leadership & Skills Conference. Please review this information as it outlines the hotel selection process as well.
SkillsUSA Illinois will also host two SLSC registration office hours on Thursday, March 9 to answer any advisor questions. These are drop-in sessions.
THURSDAY, MAR. 9 – 7 a.m – 8:30 a.m.: Register at bit.ly/ilslsc23-oh-am
THURSDAY, MAR. 9 - 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Register at bit.ly/ilslsc23-oh-pm
Learn more and find registration information at http://skillsusaillinois.org/iacte.
Passing State Qualifying Event Competition Spots
State Qualifying Event results have been sent out to chapter advisors. If members will not be competing, please email membership@skillsusaillinois.org so the spot can be passed.
State Officer Applications Window Open
Being a SkillsUSA Illinois State Officer is the ultimate student growth and leadership experience. The skills learned through this leadership program will help officers to not only be successful in serving the organization, but also throughout their lives and careers. Potential candidates should be dedicated to SkillsUSA, have a desire to serve the members of the organization, be able to work in a team, and be willing to learn and grow.
Learn more at skillsusaillinois.org/students-run-for-office.
Construction Pathways Career Experience
SkillsUSA Illinois, with founding partner Otto Baum Company Inc., have worked hard to create an event to provide students and opportunity to see what a successful future can look like in the skilled trades; specifically around construction pathways. We are so pleased to be able to invite you and your students to this event. The event will be a great opportunity for high school students to connect with a robust group of employers in the construction industries, including union affiliations.
At the event, students will be able to participate in workshop stations and hands-on activities with the potential for prizes. These activities will help students develop an understanding of each specific construction trade field and the skills needed to succeed. During their time at the event, students will be able to discuss and learn about current needs and trends within the various industries as well as industry growth. Students will be able to take the information they gain and use it to determine in which industry or trade they are most interested and have the most aptitude.
This is experience is scheduled for March 31 and, due to overwhelming interest, the event has been been moved to Caterpillar Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center. For more information and to register visit, www.skillsusaillinois.org/career-experiences
Day of Volunteers/Judges Needed For SLSC
SkillsUSA Illinois is seeking Day of Volunteers and judges for this year’s State Leadership & Skills Conference on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL. We have a variety of opportunities available to support the conference this year. Please reach out to your local business and industry members, school leaders, and community members who would like to help support our conference this year and share this registration link: https://skillsusaillinois.org/slsc23-friday-volunteer
We will communicate more information with them as we get closer to conference.
Plan Now for National Signing Day
SkillsUSA National Signing Day will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023, to celebrate high school seniors and college/postsecondary students who have chosen to pursue a career as a professional in any of the skilled trades. Local SkillsUSA chapters are encouraged to host a signing day event by inviting business partners, school administrators, teachers, elected officials, SkillsUSA alumni, family, and friends to honor students signing “letters of intent” for a job offer, apprenticeship, or advanced technical training.
SkillsUSA and its National Signing Day partners are more dedicated than ever to build on the inspiring success of our past National Signing Day events while continuing to shine a much-needed public spotlight on students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Registration Opens: March 13, 2023
Early Bird Registration Closes: April 3, 2023
Registration Closes: April 21, 2023
Learn more at skillsusa.org/events-training/national-signing-day
National Leadership & Skills Conference 2023 Information Released
SkillsUSA Illinois has published the 2023 registration and hotel information and fees for National Leadership & Skills Conference. Please visit www.SkillsUSAIllinois.org/nlsc.
