SkillsUSA (formerly known as VICA) is a national nonprofit organization serving high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. It consists of more than 300,000 student and instructor members, with 1,700 students in Cabinetmaking or Woodworking programs –this is the future of our industry in training!
The regional contest is the first level of competition for students in SkillsUSA. Those who score highest at regionals are invited to compete at State Conference (in California, this takes place in Ontario in April), and those who win Gold at State will compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, GA each June.
With over 300,000 student and advisor members across the nation, SkillsUSA is one of the most widely recognized and respected organizations supporting and promoting students entering careers in skilled trades. It is of critical importance to AWFS and our member companies to see students encouraged and trained in skilled trades. Like all manufacturing segments, the wood products manufacturing industry is in need of skilled workers to replace the vast numbers of retiring baby boomers. We recognize that supporting students and education and is the future of our industry.
Although we are unrelated organizations, AWFS shares the fundamental mission and vision of SkillsUSA in strengthening our industry by preparing young people for skilled careers. As a result, AWFS staff and affiliated volunteers have assisted with SkillsUSA California regional and state woodworking contests since 2011 and AWFS hosted the 2011 and 2013 SkillsUSA World Team Cabinetmaking Qualifying Event at the AWFS Fair.
Although this year’s competitive season may have ended, SkillsUSA is always seeking industry support and involvement at the state and national level, and it’s never too early to start planning for next year! Assistance as a volunteer or donations of tools, supplies or materials are appreciated. Contact Tovi Spero (tovi@awfs.org or (323) 215-0317) to explore ways to help!
2023 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.15.23, Chaffey High School)
2023 SkillsUSA California Regional Woodworking Contests (Jan-Feb, 2023, virtual)
2022 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.23.22, Chaffey High School)
2022 SkillsUSA California Regional Woodworking Contests (virtual)
SkillsUSA CA Regional and State Conferences are held virtually due to COVID-19
See SkillsUSA CA Regional contest plans:
2021 Regional Introductory Woodworking
See SkillsUSA CA State Contest Plans:
2021 State Introductory Woodworking
SkillsUSA 2021 National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) is held virtually due to COVID-19
2020 SkillsUSA California Region 3 and 6 Woodworking Contests (01.25.20, Pasadena City College, 02.01.20, Riverside City College)
(SkillsUSA CA State conference cancelled due to COVID-19)
2019 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.27.19, Chaffey High School)
2019 SkillsUSA California Region 3 and 6 Woodworking Contests (01.26.19, Pierce College, 02.02.19, Chaffey High School)
2018 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.20.18 Ontario Convention Center, 04.21.18, Chaffey High School)
2018 SkillsUSA California Region 3 and 6 Woodworking Contests (Region 3- 02.03.18, LA Trade Tech College) (Region 6- 01.27.18, Chaffey High School)
2017 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.22.17, Town & Country Resort)
2017 SkillsUSA California Region 3 Woodworking Contests (02.04.17, LA Trade Tech College)
2016 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.02.16, Town & Country Resort)
2016 SkillsUSA California Region 3 Woodworking Contests (01.23.16, LA Trade Tech College)
2015 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.11.15, Town & Country Resort)
2015 SkillsUSA California Region 3 Woodworking Contests (01.24.15, LA Trade Tech College)
2014 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.26.14, Town & Country Resort)
2014 SkillsUSA California Region 3 Woodworking Contests (02.01.14, LA Trade Tech College)
2013 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.06.13, Town & Country Resort)
2013 SkillsUSA California Region 3 Woodworking Contests (02.02.13, LA Trade Tech College)
2012 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests (04.14.12, Town & Country Resort)
2012 SkillsUSA California Region 3 Woodworking Contests (02.04.12, Mt. San Antonio College)
