SkillsUSA recently honored the DaimlerChrysler Corporation for 20 years of vital support to its students and programs. The DaimlerChrysler Corporation and DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund have given more than $393,000 to SkillsUSA since 1985. In addition, DaimlerChrysler Academy has provided technical support, management consulting and has provided expertise and equipment for SkillsUSA competitions.

“DaimlerChrysler’s support of SkillsUSA demonstrates to our young student members that they will be entering a workforce that welcomes their much-needed skills,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA.

The award was presented in June during the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Kansas City, MO, where the SkillsUSA Championships takes place, June 20-23, 2006. Championships is the showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. This is a multi-million dollar event that occupies a space equivalent to 11 football fields where more than 4,800 contestants compete in 84 separate events.

The donor award was accepted on behalf of The DaimlerChrysler Corporation by Mike Collins, national manager of Vocational Education, who also serves as a member of SkillsUSA’s Automotive Service Technology Technical Committee. Contestants in Automotive Service Technology demonstrate their ability to perform jobs and skills based on the task list outlined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Workstations consist of on-vehicle, simulations, bench and component testing, and a written test. Contestants are judged on technical competency, accuracy, quality, safety and ability to follow directions.

“We are proud to support SkillsUSA because we know that in doing so, we ensure our own success by helping to train our future skilled workforce,” said Collins.

The SkillsUSA Donor Award is given to corporations that have shown consistent and significant support of SkillsUSA’s programs.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. Formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) SkillsUSA has more than 284,000 students and instructors as members.