Thousands of students are in the Coastal Bend for a SkillsUSA competition, gaining real-world experience while generating a boost for local hotels and businesses.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Thousands of students are in the Coastal Bend this week, competing in a SkillsUSA event that highlights the next generation of skilled workers.
The competition gives students the opportunity to showcase their abilities in fields like engineering, health sciences and technology after advancing through regional contests.
Organizers say the event is about more than competition — it’s about preparing students for the workforce.
“This organization is a way they can further advance those skills, showcase them and get real experience on their resume to apply for a job and to get jobs in those skilled trades,” said Grant McCall, a SkillsUSA officer from Lubbock.
Students say the experience can open doors that might not otherwise be available.
“Because a lot of kids wouldn’t have an opportunity like this if it weren’t for this organization,” said Hannah Castillo, a national officer for SkillsUSA attending the state conference. “It really does make a difference on the future of not only those kids and those students, but it makes a difference on the future of us all because those skilled trades are really important.”
For some competitors, the opportunity is deeply personal.
“This organization has given me a lot of professional opportunities which, as someone who comes from a low income and as a first-generation student, those opportunities are seen as really rare for me,” Castillo said. “When students compete, we’re being judged by real-life professionals that have real insight into our future careers.”
Organizers say the impact extends beyond the students.
They estimate the event is bringing in thousands of hotel stays and millions of dollars for local businesses, providing a significant economic boost to the Coastal Bend.