SkillsUSA: Connecting Iowa Students with Careers in Skilled Trades

Do you ever find your company struggling to find or retain great employees? Do you ever look at the age of your best team members and wonder what you’re going to do as they retire? My name is Matt Hansen, and I am reaching out on behalf of SkillsUSA Iowa as a real answer to solving the shortage to our skilled labor pool here in Iowa. SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to preparing students for success in the workforce by promoting excellence in technical, skilled, and service careers. With a focus on developing the next generation of skilled professionals, SkillsUSA creates opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, build leadership skills, and connect with mentors in their chosen fields.

We are excited to invite ABI members to learn more about the upcoming 2025 SkillsUSA Iowa State Leadership & Skills Conference. This annual event brings together high-achieving high school and college students from across Iowa, offering them a unique platform to showcase their skills, engage in technical competitions, and explore potential career paths in the skilled trades.

As a high school industrial trades instructor and chapter advisor at MMCRU High School, I have personally witnessed the transformative impact that SkillsUSA has on students. Through events like this conference, students gain practical experience and build the confidence they need to succeed in today’s workforce.

Our board is always eager to engage with organizations that share our commitment to empowering Iowa’s future workforce. By aligning with SkillsUSA Iowa, your business could join us in fostering the talents of these motivated young people, potentially positioning yourself as a leader in workforce development within our state.

To provide more information about how to become involved, I’ve enclosed the 2024-25 Partnership Prospectus, outlining various ways you might participate in this impactful conference. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Additionally, our state director, Kent Storm, is available to answer questions or provide further insights. Thank you for considering this opportunity, and we hope to explore ways we might collaborate with your organization.

Best Regards,

Matt Hansen
President, SkillsUSA Iowa Board of Directors
7th-12th Industrial Trades, MMCRU High School
Email: matt.hansen@mmcruroyals.org

Kent Storm
Director, Iowa Association of SkillsUSA
Phone: 515.344.3888
Email: statedirector@skillsusaiowa.org