ESCANABA — Bay College, in partnership with regional high schools and Career and Technical Education Centers, and the national SkillsUSA organization, will host the annual SkillsUSA Competition on Friday, Feb. 7.

Career and technical students from across the Upper Peninsula will demonstrate their skills and talents in the areas of Automotive, Computer Maintenance Technology, Precision Machining Technology, and Welding. The students are competing for scholarship money, as well as the opportunity to advance to the statewide competition in Lansing in the spring. During the competition, students are graded and receive feedback from college faculty, high school instructors, and local business representatives in the field who volunteer their time to support the students.

Bay College will award four $2,000 scholarships to students who place first in the overall categories and four $500 scholarships to students who place second in the overall categories.

“This event aligns perfectly with Bay College’s focus to help close the skills gap that exists by training individuals for high skill, high wage, and high demand jobs,” said Cindy Carter, Bay College dean of business, technology and workforce training. “Bay College has several one-year and two-year occupational certificates and degrees that provide students with the training they need to complete a college degree and enter the workplace with the credentials to make more income over their career as well as to advance within their specific trade. This is the next generation of skilled workers and we are thrilled to be a part of it”.

SkillsUSA is a national organization serving high school and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations in high schools and college/technical schools. SkillsUSA programs include local, state and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills. National SkillsUSA week will be celebrated across the country the week of Feb. 3.

For more information on Bay College occupational certificates and degrees, as well as the SkillsUSA Competition, contact the Dean’s Office at 906-217-4081.