San Joaquin Delta College once again hosted the SkillsUSA Region 5 Competition this past February 2. The results are in - It turned out to be an extremely successful event for Delta College competitors. Eight Delta students received gold medals for their trade and technical skill proficiency. In addition, Delta's three silver and bronze award winners are eligible to compete at the SkillsUSA State Championships in San Diego, April 4-7. Students who excel in San Diego will be invited to the SkillsUSA National Championships in Kansas City, Mo., June 24-28.
Added to the competitors will be last year's Delta College SkillsUSA National Champion in the "Promotional Board" category, Renata Zapara. Renata will compete in the State Pin Contest, where competitors develop artwork for a lapel pin used to represent California at the national championships. Winning designs are selected – first, second and third - from all 50 state designs, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
San Joaquin Delta College 2013 SkillsUSA Region 5 Medalists:
Automated Manufacturing Technology: Internetworking:
Luis Herrera (Gold) James Donkin III (Gold)
Brandon Vollmer (Gold) James Morgan (Silver)
Matthew Richardson (Gold) Russell Mathews (Bronze)
Welding - Combo: Welding - MIG:
Damien Galabis (Gold) Jeremy Scott (Gold)
Daniel Lopez (Silver)
Welding - SMAW: Technical Drafting:
Todd Vandrimmelen (Gold) Christopher Martin (Gold)
Jose Canez (Silver)
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that partners with students, teachers and industry to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The goal is to help prepare students for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The organization has 13-thousand chapters with almost 15-thousand instructors and administrators as members. This year, about 500 students competed at Delta College.
"Delta's competitors are to be congratulated for displaying their trade and technical skills aptitude in a competitive environment," says Alex Taddei, Delta College welding instructor and SkillsUSA advisor. "Our students will no doubt be successful at San Diego, and many will advance to the national championships in Kansas City."
This was the third year in a row Delta has hosted a preliminary SkillsUSA competition - unquestionably a natural pairing, considering Delta College offers over 100 career and certificate training programs. "As with any volunteer event, there is a learning curve," adds Taddei. "The positive response from attendees regarding Delta's facilities was awesome. Special thanks go to Delta College, our judges, and the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) Club volunteers.”
Taddei points out that those who witnessed this year’s events and caliber of students understand why Delta hosts SkillsUSA competitions. “Students will remember these positive experiences the rest of their lives. The variety of skills tested is impressive. SkillsUSA helps students stay at the forefront of the latest technologies in their disciplines. To compete and earn an award in a SkillsUSA event is validation of an individual’s ability.” Taddei says the competition may reap future rewards in the job market. “A SkillsUSA award is undeniably a valuable addition to a resume.”
Alex Taddei finishes enthusiastically, “I heartily encourage instructors and our local industry to become involved with SkillsUSA. Keep our country strong by helping our students become the best they can be!"
For more information, contact Alex Taddei, Delta College SkillsUSA Advisor/Welfing Instructor, (209) 954-5239,
[email protected].