Lincoln-Way East, Central SkillsUSA Members Connect With Local Careers

FRANKFORT, IL — The Lincoln-Way East and Central SkillsUSA chapters recently completed their fall semester goal of connecting students with local, in-demand career opportunities through a series of Career Builder events, according to a news release from the school.

Throughout the semester, SkillsUSA members and guests toured four local businesses and hosted one on-campus guest experience, giving students an inside look at a variety of careers. The Career Builder experiences included visits to: CIT Trucks in Mokena, Village of New Lenox Public Works, Chicago Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Manheim Chicago Auto Auction in Matteson and Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Lisle Campus.

During these visits, students gained behind-the-scenes exposure to daily operations while learning about hiring processes and the skill sets required for success in each industry, the District said.

“These Career Builders are excellent opportunities for students to connect with area employers,” said SkillsUSA Advisor Daymon Gast. “Many of these workplaces are places students may never have known about or been able to visit without SkillsUSA. That access is what makes the experience so meaningful for our members.”

In addition to the site visits, both SkillsUSA chapters recently welcomed Universal Technical Institute representatives into their classrooms to learn more about career training options. Three UTI instructors led hands-on demonstrations and shared information about high-paying, high-demand careers in six major fields: Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, Robotics and Automation, Welding Technology, and Wind Turbine Technology.

SkillsUSA is open to all Lincoln-Way students and meets regularly throughout the year, the District said.

Members participate in local, state, and national competitions each spring while gaining valuable exposure to career pathways, scholarships and professional development opportunities.