SkillsUSA Competition

Representing Idaho at the National SkillsUSA Championship

“I never want to be stuck in the mud — metaphorically or otherwise,” said Thomas Krause, Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology student and a member of the Idaho State University SkillsUSA team. “I see the workforce as my way to learn how to be useful. Some things that the program has taught me I have been able to apply to my home and work life.” SkillsUSA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to serving students from middle school all the way into their college years. At the time, Krause was a high school student in the Early College Program earning credits in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology. Krause represented Idaho during the 2022 SkillsUSA National Championship. The massive event was held in Atlanta, GA and hosted around 5,200 contestants in 108 separate categories. The venue for this competition was equivalent in size to 31 football fields. Nearly 2,000 judges oversaw these competitions to ensure that the exacting standards of the organization were being met and that all attendees were allowed to compete in a fair environment. Every aspect of this competition was a big deal to Krause, even the travel — as he had never been on a plane before. He had also never been to a big city, so Atlanta blew him away. Even after a last-minute switch up with the requirements of his event, he worked tirelessly with his instructors to learn the new set of tasks. This hard work paid off as Krause ended up placing 5th nationally. He hopes to compete again in 2023. “It showed me that you don’t want to take anything for granted, to always be kind and have a helping hand ready, but most importantly to never turn your back to someone in need,” said Krause. “If I had the ability, I would go back and do the same thing that I did in Atlanta and, who knows, I might just be able to show my skills and make it back for a second year.” The College of Technology’s SkillsUSA club is currently in need of an ambassador or additional advisors. SkillsUSA offers a huge range of events of which the ISU club does not currently take part in. If you are an alumnus, student, faculty/staff member or an industry partner and are interested in working with the club,please contact trevorpickens@isu.edu.