Greenville Tech and SkillsUSA work to create skilled workforce

GREENVILLE, S.C., April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Greenville Technical College students brought home honors from the state SkillsUSA competition held in March, demonstrating the skills employers need in many different areas.  Winners of the South Carolina SkillsUSA competition are now eligible to compete at the national level in Kansas City, June 23-27.

Greenville Technical College winners included the following:

SkillsUSA competition demonstrates mastery of hands-on skills and exemplifies how Greenville Tech is providing a qualified pool of employees to South Carolina employers. Donnie Qualls, a graduate of Greenville Tech's Aircraft Maintenance Technology program, took first place honors in the SkillsUSA national competition for Aviation Maintenance Technology in 2009. Qualls was hired by ASG Aviation Maintenance before he graduated. His supervisor, John Broadhead, also a Greenville Tech graduate, felt Qualls demonstrated a high skill level both in competition and on the job. "Donnie Qualls is an excellent employee," Broadhead said. "He certainly came well equipped to learn exactly what he needed to learn in order to fulfill his role. Now he's running the shop."

In addition to student participation, Greenville Tech provided in-kind support valued at more than $50,000 for the competition. This contribution included use of Greenville Tech facilities for the automotive, auto collision, HVAC and welding competitions. The college also provided equipment and tools for set-up and takedown.

About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Programs include local, state and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills. At the annual national-level SkillsUSA Championships, more than 5,500 students compete in 94 occupational and leadership skill areas.

About Greenville Technical College
Greenville Technical College is a four-campus system where nearly 30,000 students are annually preparing for the strongest careers of today and tomorrow. Established in 1962, the college's mission is to drive personal and economic growth through learning. With 127 curriculum program choices along with short-term training for career and personal development, Greenville Technical College gives employers a ready supply of skilled workers and provides students with an education that will help them succeed.

For more information about Greenville Technical College and its programs, professors and partnerships, visit www.gvltec.edu.  

Contact:
Becky Mann, 864.250.8305, [email protected]
Joshua Friesen, 864-250-8994, [email protected]

SOURCE Greenville Technical College