WTC Construction Technology Student Places Seventh at SkillsUSA Nationals
Phil Stoll, a recent graduate of LifeTech Academy and construction technology student at the Wilson Talent Center (WTC), placed 7th in the nation in the plumbing competition at the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Stoll earned the trip to Atlanta by receiving the first-place gold medal at the SkillsUSA Michigan competition in the same category in April.
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. A non-profit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school and college/post-secondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA serves more than 333,527 students and instructors annually.
“We are thankful to be able to offer our students opportunities such as this through SkillsUSA, as well as other leadership organizations,” notes Jeff Smith, associate principal at the Wilson Talent Center and SkillsUSA Advisor. “Competitions like this provide the opportunity to see how their skills match up against other students in their areas of interest. Competing locally, at the state level and possibly at the national level, as in this case, can really boost their confidence level or show them needed areas of improvement,” Smith also noted.
“Phil was able to take advantage of opportunities and support offered at the WTC and it paid off for this competition,” says Jerry Johnson, instructor of the construction technology program. “To have the opportunity to represent the state of Michigan in the plumbing category at the national conference is such an honor. He competed against 29 other students, and I am proud of the results and what was able to be accomplished,” Johnson also noted.
The Wilson Talent Center, operated by Ingham Intermediate School District, offers career and technical education programs for high school juniors and seniors who reside in Dansville, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Leslie, Mason, Okemos, Stockbridge, Waverly, Webberville and Williamston. Applications are also accepted from Lansing School District, Fowlerville Community Schools and Eaton and Clinton County schools. For more information, visit Wilson Talent Center (www.inghamisd.org/wtc).
