Bay College will host the 2026 SkillsUSA Regional Competition on Friday, Feb. 6. (Photo courtesy of Bay College)

ESCANABA – Bay College is thrilled to announce that it will host the 2026 SkillsUSA Regional Competition. On Friday, February 6, 2026, the top career and technical education (CTE) students from across the Upper Peninsula will compete in Automotive, Welding and Information Technology.

This date aligns with SkillsUSA Week, an annual celebration observed by SkillsUSA chapters nationwide. The event allows state associations, advisors, and student members to promote SkillsUSA programs and activities at both local and state levels, highlighting the importance of skilled trades. The theme for this year’s SkillsUSA competition is “Champion Your Future.”

Competitors will showcase their skills and talents in several areas, including Automotive, Computer Maintenance Technology, and Welding. Participants will compete for scholarship money and the chance to advance to the statewide competition, which will be held from April 17-19 in Grand Rapids.

During the competition, students will be scored and receive feedback from college faculty, high school instructors, and local business representatives who volunteer their time to support the students.

The Bay College Foundation will award four scholarships of $2,500 each to students who secure first place in their respective overall categories, and four scholarships of $1,000 each to those who achieve second place in each overall category.

According to James Cousino, Dean of Business and Technology at Bay College, “The SkillsUSA competition being hosted at Bay College is a fantastic showcase for local students and the CTE programs that enrich our communities. This event coincides with Career and Technical Education Month in February, which supports education and training in high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand occupations.”

SkillsUSA is a national organization that serves high school and college students, as well as professional members enrolled in training programs for technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations in high schools and technical schools. SkillsUSA programs include local, state, and national competitions where students demonstrate their occupational and leadership skills.

For more information about the SkillsUSA Competition, please contact the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District at 906-786-9300.