SkillsUSA Championships Benefits from Sandvik Coromant's Dedication

For the seventh year, Sandvik Coromant donated time, support, and resources to the SkillsUSA Championships, demonstrating its continued commitment to the education and development of America's skilled workforce.

SkillsUSA, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to students and professionals in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations, held the annual competition during the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, MO, this past June. Offering more than 80 hands-on skill and leadership contests, each event is designed to measure an individual's ability against the skills necessary for entry-level jobs.

"There is a shortage in skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. By providing tutelage to more than 280,000 students each year, SkillsUSA serves a critical function to our nation's manufacturing economy," says Sandvik Coromant Training Specialist and SkillsUSA Technical Committee Member, Brent Stogsdill. "SkillsUSA allowed me to get where I am today. Without its presence in my teenage years, I would not have entered the machining industry."

Sandvik Coromant provided support and resources for the Precision Machining Technology contest, donating thousands of dollars in cutting tools for traditional machining methods like turning, milling, and drilling.

Precision Machining Technology contestants competed in NIMS Level I & II manual machining skills and knowledge areas including operation of manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and surface grinders. Judges also evaluated their knowledge of CNC programming skills using a PC, as well as related knowledge and skill in the areas of engineering drawing interpretation, GD&T, technical math, machining practices, use of precision measuring/hand tools, and ability to communicate verbally using proper industry terminology.

The rousing success of the 2007 SkillsUSA Championship leaves Sandvik Coromant eager to lend its support to contestants in the 2008 competition. SkillsUSA returns to Kansas City for the 44th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference from June 23 – June 27, 2008.