Rowan-Cabarrus Community College SkillsUSA students recently won numerous awards in state-level competitions. During the competition, students worked against the clock and each other to prove their expertise in occupations like electronics and precision machining.

SkillsUSA is a dynamic and career-oriented leadership organization focused on individual success at home, the classroom, the community and the workplace. For the majority of students, SkillsUSA is their first professional organization. The experiences and knowledge gained provide an excellent platform for career development and success.

“College is about more than just the classes. At Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, students are encouraged to get involved in activities and organizations beyond the classroom that take their education to the next level, organizations like SkillsUSA,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

This year, students at the SkillsUSA North Carolina Championships, held in Greensboro, competed in two categories, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (AHR) and Automotive and Welding Technologies. The conference was the largest showcase of career and technical education in North Carolina with more than 1,700 students competing in more than 100 hands-on trade, technical and leadership contests.

Brandon Martin competed in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. This was his second consecutive state championship. Steven Hepler competed in the Major Appliance and Refrigeration Technology category for his third consecutive state championship. Robert Brown competed in Sheet Metal for a second consecutive state championship. He is the current national champion. Michael Ferguson competed in Plumbing.

Kyle Harmon recieved first place in Welding Art/Sculpture, Eli Brandt placed second in Computer Numerical Control Technician, Felton Donnell received fourth place in the Automotive Refinishing Technology and Dan Burns took second place in Power Technology Equipment. Chase Wilhite, Carson Branham and Stephen Brown won second place in the Automotive Skills Show Case.

The four AHR state champions and the first place Welding Technologies student will go on and compete in Louisville at the 2015 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference where more than 16,000 people – including students, teachers and business partners – are expected to participate in the weeklong event. They will join more than 6,000 other competitors in more than 100 contests.