Success at the SkillsUSA 2024 State Competition
Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) students have once again proven their exceptional skills by taking home many accolades at the state SkillsUSA competition. Known for its rigorous standards, SkillsUSA challenges students to demonstrate their expertise across various technical disciplines. This year, MTECH students excelled in several categories, emphasizing their dedication and the high-quality training they receive.
COMPETITION STRUCTURE & PREPARATION
Skill performances look different for each program. Abby Lyman, head advisor for SkillsUSA and HOSA, noted that each competition was very involved and took hours to complete.
Each competition follows a similar format:
- Resume Submission: Competitors submit a resume prior to the competition.
- Written Exam: Competitors take a written exam to evaluate their knowledge.
- Skills Performance: Students show their expertise in a hands-on skills performance.
Luke Reynolds, a student competitor from the HVACR Technician program, shared his experience preparing for the competition.
“I work in the field, so I would go over the finer points of the trade with my boss and be extra thorough on jobs. I made sure I practiced and knew all the skills that the competition would likely be measuring. I came in after hours to the school’s HVACR lab a few times to practice certain skills and see how certain things worked.”
Following many hours of training, internal competitions, and time studying theory, students were set for success as they understood the importance and skills within their trade, and were ready to compete.
THE COMPETITIONS
Aniston Blanchard, a Culinary Arts student and SkillsUSA participant provided a glimpse into the Pastry and Baking competition.
“I had to make baguettes, apple galettes, scones, decorate a cake, and pâte à choux. I was given the recipes for these and had to make sure I could make them and get a good product, but also not stray away from the recipes,” she explained. “You get judged on everything from uniform to washing hands, to your station, and how you follow the recipes.”
Jesus Miranda, an HVACR student competitor, encouraged future participants.
“Try new things because at first, I was kind of scared because I didn’t know that much, but I went for it, and with the help of Jeff, I did a good job.”
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
The hard work, time, and dedication of students displayed brightly at the competitions. Students celebrated their wins with their instructors who helped them progress and excel in their respective fields.
Congratulations to all our SkillsUSA medalists! The Mountainland community is excited to see you compete in nationals this summer!
Gold Finalists
Secondary Students:
| Kiezek Larsen | Diesel Technology |
| Aniston Blanchard | Baking and Pastry |
| Jesus Miranda Zarate | HVACR |
Post Secondary Students:
| Jaxon Smith | CNC Milling |
| Bryce Smith | CNC Programmer |
| Carlin Warren | CNC Turning |
| Luke Reynolds | HVACR |
| Diego Quirate Guttierez | Plumbing |
| Bailey Tillman | Nail Care |
| Breanna Jones | Barbering |
| Layne Huggins | Esthetics |
Silver Finalists
Secondary Students:
| Eli Slack | Industrial Motor Control |
| Tucker Lyon | Culinary Arts |
| Myalin Hallett | Barbering |
| Olivia Burton | Cosmetology |
Post Secondary Students:
| Jacob Balden | Additive Manufacturing |
| Jordan Frary | Additive Manufacturing |
| Garren Perez | HVACR |
| Colton Engle | Electrical |
| Kenadi Lee Peterson | Nail Care |
| Brooklyn Atikinson | Barbering |
| Rebecca Nix | Esthetics |
| Bailey Bourdous | Cosmetology |
Bronze Finalists
Secondary Students:
| Kollin Harrison | Industrial Motor Control |
Post Secondary Students:
| Christopher Galindo | Culinary Arts |
| Emily Loria | Baking and Pastry |
| Harrison Wolf | HVACR |
| Quenton Mortimer | Plumbing |
About Mountainland Technical College
Mountainland Technical College is home to world-class technical education with campuses throughout Utah’s Wasatch Range. As Utah’s largest technical college, serving more than 6,000 students annually across 42 industry-focused programs, Mountainland’s mission is to enhance the employability of individuals through market-driven career and technical education.
Published on: May 21, 2024 at 3:00pm MDT
