Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and educators are at the heart of American manufacturing’s future. As the workforce needs of advanced manufacturing evolve, connecting with these rising leaders and the educators guiding them is essential to strengthening the talent pipeline, fostering innovation, and sustaining U.S. competitiveness.
That’s why Manufacturing USA was proud to participate in the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), held June 23–27 in Atlanta. The annual event brought together more than 19,000 students, educators, and industry professionals for a week of hands-on competitions, professional development, and career exploration—all designed to empower the next generation of makers and problem-solvers. More than 30 SkillsUSA competitions align directly with the technologies of Manufacturing USA institutes—from cybersecurity and robotics to additive manufacturing and industrial motor control—underscoring the relevance and reach of the network.
As an official partner of Skills USA, representatives from Manufacturing USA were onsite to showcase the 18-institute network and the real-world technologies shaping the next generation of advanced manufacturing careers. Throughout the week, more than 2,000 visitors stopped by the Manufacturing USA booth to explore a vibrant mix of interactive activities that reinforced how modern manufacturing is local, high-tech, skills-oriented, and personal.
- 100+ student teams designed their own rings and watched them come to life while being printed on a 3D printer provided by America Makes.
- 500+ students tested their knowledge with a manufacturing-themed State vs. State trivia game and placed pins across a massive U.S. map reflecting the national reach of manufacturing innovation.
- As is tradition at SkillsUSA, visitors sought the Manufacturing USA pins, which helped raise awareness of advanced manufacturing careers. And served to draw students back to the booth.
“SkillsUSA is an exciting opportunity to connect the Manufacturing USA institutes with CTE students, educators, and industry. By coming together, the network can connect directly with future talent and build pathways to advanced manufacturing careers,” noted Brad Conrad, Education and Workforce Development Manager with NIST’s Office of Advanced Manufacturing.
The energy and enthusiasm at SkillsUSA 2025 exemplified a key message: CTE students are not just learning about manufacturing, they are actively shaping its future. By fostering direct engagement with real technologies and offering insight into the careers that power U.S. industry, events like this help ensure that talent development remains central to the nation’s manufacturing strategy. To learn more about upcoming events, please visit our Events page.