SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Students in SkillsUSA from across Illinois traveled to Springfield to show local politicians the achievements they've made while at the program.
SkillsUSA is a national program that helps teach kids workforce skills so they will land a job once they've finished their studies.
"It's not just math classes or English classes, these are students in welding," Eric Hill the SkillsUSA Executive Director said. "Manufacturing, construction, healthcare, STEM, robotics, IT. All of the future jobs that these students are going to have."
The students set themselves up in the state capitol building, where they met with lawmakers to advocate for the program.
Below the statues of President Lincoln and Mayor Daley, these kids crafted giant display boards to show the skills they've learned, the tools they've crafted and the friends they've made.
Many of the students said they were happy they get to experience these opportunities in the program.
"I was scared at first I mean there's a lot of people I didn't know," Owen Rexshell the Clinton High School SkillsUSA President said on joining the program. "But they were really kind and people just want to help you develop and help you in life."
Some of these kids will begin working straight after high school by going through some of SkillsUSA apprenticeship programs.
Averi Collela, a senior from Lockport Township High School, said she will cherish the memories she made in the state capitol.
"I got to meet and build relationships with Senators and Representatives," Collela said. "So providing the opportunity for other students to do it in the same way I think it's super amazing we get to do this."
The students will get to show off their career achievements at the SkillsUSA Illinois Elite Career Championship in Peoria from April 24-26.
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