CCHS SkillsUSA works in its second year

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City High School’s SkillsUSA chapter has been busy this week with SkillsUSA Week.

SkillsUSA program is an extracurricular program designed to improve workforce development by giving students an entryway into industrial education.

Now in its second year in Charles City, the program continues to offer students opportunities to gain experience and forge relationships with businesses that could be future employers.

Last fall, the students visited several local businesses to introduce themselves and explain what the program is about.

“We’re trying to get the community to know what SkillsUSA is,” said advisor Dan Bohlen.

The students have also engaged in a community service project, building a wheelchair ramp at the behest of the Lions Club.

The first week of February is SkillsUSA Week, where chapters recognize their achievements, discuss community service, connect with area businesses and advocate for skilled trades.

The group is also starting a fundraiser to produce and sell fire pokers to support its activities.

In April, a team of students will be participating in a state competition in Ankeny, where they will meet with other chapters and demonstrate their skills in a variety of real-world tradecrafts.