Montana teens show off skills in Helena

HELENA — Thursday was the second day of competitors within the Expertise USA Montana state management and expertise convention, the place college students from all throughout Montana converged in Helena to showcase their expertise starting from public talking to trades work like welding.

The competitors introduced near 300 college students, advisors, and judges from all throughout Montana to Helena.

“We do welding diesel mechanics, energy, tools, know-how. Simply the checklist can go on. We provide 41 competitions in Montana alone on the nationwide stage, we provide 110 competitions. So we positively now we have room to develop too. And Montana,” mentioned Roberta Tilleman, State Director for Expertise USA Montana.

Darby Excessive Colleges pupil, and Montana State Expertise USA Treasurer, Abigail Converse says that this competitors is not just for showcasing expertise, however constructing herself as a person.

“I do know that if I do not do one thing like this, I am not going to make connections with folks. I am not going to make connections with schools or army recruiters or something. So being part of this, I can not less than get out and meet folks so I can have alternatives, most positively,” mentioned Converse.

Tilleman says constructing on these expertise is essential.

“Constructing these expertise early and getting that basis as a result of now we have the chance to begin with them so early in life, if you concentrate on it, they solely get so many hours and precise instruction to study what they’re studying after which they go on to the world and reside the remainder of their life,” mentioned Tilleman.

Sandy Bauman, the Dean, and CEO of Helena School say’s that whereas this can be a competitors, the scholars are nonetheless constructing life-changing expertise and plenty of will earn greater than only a medal.

“The winners of every of those competitions could have the chance to attend the nationwide convention of the nationwide competitors and proceed to compete. Different college students are additionally right here competing for scholarships,” mentioned Bauman.

There will probably be an awards ceremony Friday for the winners.

Present expertise USA Montana State President, Emma Edwards, says this competitors additionally helps information college students in direction of careers within the trades.

“We misplaced a number of commerce employees. So getting a bunch of children into expertise and having them get into the trades, it should assist Montana get on the map for the trades once more,” mentioned Edwards

On the finish of the day, awards or not, Converse says that it is all about enchancment.

“I believe that everyone knows that it is for one of the best and so they’re our advisor to doing this in order that we will get higher. We’re making an attempt and that is the essential factor,” mentioned Converse.

The abilities occasion wraps up on Friday.