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SkillsUSA Minnesota State Conference Championships

In the spring of each year, approximately 350 business and industry leaders get together and present nearly 70 skill and leadership contests that they have prepared for the student members from across the state. These are entry-level, hands-on skill contests, evaluated by the same industry leaders who prepare them. The competitions are based on industry driven occupational skill standards. Contests are in all program areas – Business and Computer, Health and Service, Technical, Transportation, Building and Construction Trades. Industry donates many thousands of dollars in prizes in the form of scholarships, tools, reference manuals and training aids for winners and their schools. Business partners work throughout the school year to plan the competitive events and many of them hire their new employees right off the competition floor. First place winners from each division in most contests will be offered the opportunity to go on to a national level competition.

Saint Paul College hosted the following contests on March 16 and 24: Automated Machine, Precision Machine, Cabinetmaking, Sheet Metal, and Carpentry. Saint Paul College faculty coordinating these contests were Dave Widmyer, Dick Wold, Terry Murray, Carl Zitzer, Mike Connelly, Tim Strand and Tom Hillstead. In addition, Keith Setley coordinated the Motor Controls and Residential Wiring contests for the Construction Electrical Programs on Saturday, March 24th, 2007 at Viking Electric.

Saint Paul College 2007 SkillsUSA Minnesota College/Post Secondary Winners

Automated Manufacturing Technology
3rd Place – Scott Anderson, Mark Abdella, Daniel Brateng

Cabinetmaking
1st Place – Jake Harder

Chapter Display
1st Place – Ray Crouch

CNC Milling
3rd Place – Scott Anderson

CNC Turning
3rd Place – Daniel Brateng

Community Service
3rd Place – Jeff Heroux, James Mattson, James Stone

Extemporaneous Speaking
1st Place – Michael Gertz

Job Interview
1st Place – Eng Lee

Job Skill Demonstration A
3rd Place – Ron Thomas

Job Skill Demonstration B
2nd Place – Mark McDonald

Machine Trades Blueprint Reading
2nd Place – Daniel Brateng

Precision Machining Technology
1st Place – Scott Anderson
2nd Place – Daniel Brateng

Residential Wiring
2nd Place – John Rouse

Sheet Metal
1st Place – Danny Heneman
2nd Place – Kevin Stebner
3rd Place – Dan Narusiewicz

Trade Math
3rd Place – Boone Greenly

Contributor: Gene Adams