SkillsUSA
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SkillsUSA is a new club at WHS. This club was made for students interested in industrial tech, woodworking, metalworking, crafting, etc. Skills can also help students recommend Skills to anyone who wants to become more responsible, skilled, and career-ready leaders for their futures. In addition, Students, teachers, and industry professionals work together to create a positive and hard-working environment. If you’re looking for a new opportunity to find something you enjoy, Skills could be a fun club for you to try. Junior Bree Roberts, a member of Skills said, “I would recommend skills to anyone that wants to go into an industrial-related field such as metalworking, drafting, or woodworking. It is a great way to learn new skills and earn money for scholarships and other educational opportunities.”
The biggest project SkillsUSA has made so far this year was their wooden reindeer Christmas trees. They spent the majority of the first semester doing this project and then sold them at the craft fair and made them available to buy in the Waukee newsletter. This was a really fun project for all the members of Skills and was very successful. Another member of Skills, senior Beau Andrews said, “I think my favorite part about Skills so far has been making the reindeer Christmas trees to sell at the FBLA Craft Fair.” While Skills has made whole-group projects like this one, there is also a lot of individual work that goes into the club. For example, Beau Andrews created a cool go-kart and another member of Skills built a bed frame for his family. Along with the craft fair, Skills is looking forward to attending the state conference this upcoming spring and hopefully going to a SkillsUSA competition.
While SkillsUSA isn’t the most known club because it is new and hidden far down the art hallway, it could be a really fun new opportunity that people are missing out on because they haven’t heard of the club. Sophomore John Lloyd said, “My favorite part of Skills is that I still get to make things even though I’m not taking woodworking right now.” If you’ve ever been interested in any industrial tech class or want to try it out without taking the class, Skills might be a perfect fit for you. Another benefit of joining skills is making new friendships and building relationships. Joining Skills can help you find people who are interested in the same thing as you and create strong connections with people you might not have bonded with otherwise. Bree Roberts said, “Skills is a great way to meet new people and work on perfecting your occupational Skills.”
If you’re interested in joining SkillsUSA you will need to be involved in an industrial tech class and preferably be interested in going into any of the trades areas. If you fit this description or are looking to take an industrial tech class in the future, this club might be a great opportunity for you.