Eight talented students from the ROC CTEC Career and Technical Education programs earned national recognition this summer at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia.
After winning gold medals at the California State competition, these students advanced to the national stage where they represented both Bakersfield and the state of California in their skilled areas.
The annual conference brought together more than 18,000 attendees from across the country and featured the SkillsUSA Championships, a prestigious showcase of workforce talent. Over 6,500 students competed in 108 technical, trade, and leadership events, all designed and judged by industry professionals to mirror real-world expectations.
ROC CTEC students competed in categories such as:
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Automotive Refinishing Technology (Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology)
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Commercial Roofing (Construction Trades)
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Masonry (Construction Trades)
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Technical Computer Applications (Computer Technologies)
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Advertising Design (Digital Marketing & Media Design)
In addition, students demonstrated their leadership skills in the Career Pathway Showcase: Arts & Communication, where they presented innovative, career-focused projects that connected academic learning with industry practices.
All eight ROC CTEC students placed in the top 15 nationally in their events. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the dedication and preparation of the students as well as the strength of the CTE programs at ROC CTEC.
The SkillsUSA Championships is open to middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students who are SkillsUSA members. Supported by business and industry partners, trade associations, and labor unions, the competition ensures that each event is aligned with current workforce needs.