In this update:
L.E.A.D. 2023
L.E.A.D. 2023 was held October 19-21 in Peoria, Illinois. Members from around the state came together to develop a foundation of skills and disciplines they can carry with them through a fast-changing world of work. L.E.A.D. is an annual leadership conference that allows SkillsUSA members to find their employability “start button” through hands-on, high-energy, and motivational programming that engrains SkillsUSA Framework.
As America's proud champion of the skilled trades, SkillsUSA Illinois’ mission is to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. L.E.A.D. is where this mission is actualized in our members, through the development of SkillsUSA Framework skills that include personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. L.E.A.D. 2023 developed members in four Essential Elements of the SkillsUSA Framework:
Work Ethic (Personal Skill)
Demonstrating initiative through tenacity and dedication to excellence; being punctual, meeting deadlines, and following established policies and procedures.
Communication (Workplace Skill)
Sharing ideas with others effectively verbally and in writing, understanding and applying workplace materials, and working professionally with colleagues and customers through appropriate language and interactions.
Leadership (Workplace Skill)
Crafting and articulating vision and goals; motivating and coaching others to achieve them; building positive relationships with others and giving them the resources to be successful; influencing the heart, mind, and actions of others.
Job-Specific Skills (Technical Skill Grounded in Academics)
Finding incremental ways to build confidence in abilities, teaching others, seeking help when needed to make decisions that improve performance, developing skills that are unique to a specific job.
Students became aware and demonstrated these career readiness skills as well as completed job interview training which culminated with a simulated interview with an actual human resource professional from one of our business and industry partners. At L.E.A.D., students had the opportunity to focus on how to lead their chapter for the coming year. Our business partners all agree, L.E.A.D. gives students a differentiator when applying for their next job and makes an influence on their future success.
Advisors had an opportunity to learn about our developing state association, and how to better engage members in chapter activities though our Chapter Excellence Program. They also gained access to employability skills development resources offered by SkillsUSA. Additionally, there was an in-depth discussion around the SkillsUSA Illinois integration to ISBE’s Continuum of Employer Engagement and Work-based Learning Experiences and how there are program offerings to fulfill each of these requirements. This includes the SkillsUSA Illinois Registered Apprenticeship Program that removes barriers for employers to hire students as young as age 16.
Look for more information coming soon on L.E.A.D. 2024! Learn more at SkillsUSAIllinois.org/lead.
New State Officer Team
At L.E.A.D. 2023, four students were elected to serve the members of SkillsUSA Illinois as state officers. 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. State officers are challenged to risk boldly, seek improvement, crave feedback, and support honestly. State officers have several opportunities to risk boldly and step outside their comfort zone within a supportive environment. During the program, officers are taught advanced communication and facilitation strategies they implement within their work. State officers must have a desire to improve and be open to feedback. While serving on their respective state officer team, they must collaborate with their fellow team members and support them sincerely.
Newly Elected Officers
Each fall, four high school officers and two college/postsecondary officers are elected. Congratulations to these newly elected officers who will serve through L.E.A.D. 2024:
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Ally Coker Northern Vice President Argo Community High School | Emma Belsly Southern Vice President Morton High School | Joselyn Raudalez Historian Argo Community High School | Caiden Brubaker Parliamentarian Morton High School |
Continuing State Officers
Each spring, three high school officers and four college/postsecondary officers are elected. Officers continuing their term of service through The Championships 2024:
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Trinity Muszynski President Lockport Township High School | Brent Paller Secretary Lockport Township High School | Seth Daniels Officer At-Large Carbondale Community High School | Trinity Morris Officer At-Large Peoria Public Schools |
Learn more about the State Officer Development Program and how to engage students to participate at www.skillsusaillinois.org/students-run-for-office.
Construction Pathways: Career Experience – Save the date!
Fri., Dec. 1 | Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center - Edwards, IL
SkillsUSA Illinois, through an innovative partnership with the Otto Baum Company, Inc., is excited to hold their second annual Construction Pathways: Career Experience.
With free registration for schools across the state (specific focus on Central Illinois) this Career Experience will bring together construction employers across the region who are all focused on and interested in hiring young, talented individuals.
During this event, students will be able to:
try hands-on skills taught and demonstrated by union training programs and professionals.
connect with industry contractors looking to hire talent that is currently in or exiting training programs.
gain interview skills through both actual and practice interviews.
Learn more at https://www.skillsusaillinois.org/career-experiences.
SkillsUSA Professional Development Opportunities
Take your SkillsUSA knowledge to the next level with SkillsUSA’s Fall Professional Development offerings. Sessions include new advisor training, SkillsUSA Framework integration, using the SkillsUSA Advantage report in your presentations, how to run local career competitions, and more. Visit our training website and use this form to sign up for your selected sessions. These sessions are free, and all professional members are welcome to join us!
