Young men and women from across the state competed in the annual SkillsUSA Maine State Conference in March 2025. This event provides the opportunity to gain recognition, build confidence, and show off individual and team skills. SkillsUSA Maine works with over 1200 students from middle schools, community colleges, and technical centers throughout the state and during this event students compete in 92 trade, technical and leadership fields.
The State Conference focuses on various trades and training the next generation of workers. Team Hancock donated building materials along and our vendor partner, Bostitch, donated tools for the students who entered the carpentry competition.
Maine’s SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference kicked off their annual competition with opening ceremonies. Prior to the opening ceremony middle school contestants began their competitions. Competing in a variety of competitions from Job Skills Demonstration to T-shirt and Pin Design, students show their unique skills they have been learning from their advisors and peers during the school year. On day two, high school and college students began competing at several different locations in their specific competitions.
Closing ceremonies were jammed packed with recognition for advisors and students. A new group of state officers were named, advisors recognized for their dedication to their students, and finally students were recognized for their hard work throughout the competition during the medal ceremony.
Hancock Lumber Marketing Specialist and former SkillsUSA member and leader, Jordan Magiera, attended the event. During her time involved with SkillsUSA, she participated as a contestant her junior and senior year at Lake Region Vocational Center in the Firefighting Competition. Her Senior year she placed first in Firefighting and was elected as one of the State Officers for 2019 – 2020. After her time as a state officer, she has stayed active as an alumni helping with the state competition in a variety of ways—from scoring and registration to supporting the opening + closing ceremonies.
SkillsUSA is a nationwide organization that works to empower students on becoming skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. To learn more about this fantastic organization and the Maine chapter visit the SkillsUSA Maine website.