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SkillsUSA National Signing Day kicked-off at . The event celebrated over 25 students from the electrical technology, construction management and automotive technology programs.

“Career and technical education, and all of you, are so important to the future workforce,” says Kristina Cuomo, SkillsUSA advisor. “Currently, many companies are finding such a shortage of skilled workers, also known as the skills gap, that exists in our nation right now. So, all of you who are choosing to learn a skill are making advances to decrease that skills gap and making our communities stronger.”

According to SkillsUSA, are going unfilled right now. The students honored at SkillsUSA National Signing Day will play a vital role in filling these positions, helping to maintain the world’s infrastructure.

Next up, the �������� team headed to , where 13 students from the construction, electrical and welding programs signed their letters of intent.

“SkillsUSA is proud to support all students as they enter their chosen career fields,” says Bart Taylor, interim director at SkillsUSA Texas. “And we are over joyed when our students help break the mold to redefine what it means to have the skilled trades in America.”

Headed east, the celebration continued at , where representatives from students’ future employers as well as The Home Depot honored 15 seniors dedicated to the trades.

“We are thrilled to have partners like �������� and SkillsUSA who are committed to supporting these young adults in their journey in the trades workforce and educating them about its importance,” says Kathryn Stanley, product innovation PR manager at The Home Depot. “You all are the future and the next generation of doers, and we support you 100 percent.”

Special guests, including NFL Quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, and his father, Tony, a recently retired career electrician, made the event at that much more memorable. There they applauded 40 students committing to careers in the building and construction trades.

“Having witnessed firsthand the hard work, skill and dedication of my dad for over forty years,” says Jimmy Garoppolo, NFL Quarterback, “I applaud the young people in this country who are taking those next steps towards a career in the skilled trades.”

The first student to sign? , one of 22 WorldSkills USA team members who will represent the U.S. in cabinetmaking this August in Kazan, Russia.

��������’ SkillUSA National Signing Day live streams wrapped up at the (TCD) where 14 students announced their career plans.

“I applaud you students,” says Mike Zimmerman, director at TCD, “For taking the initiative to pursue a meaningful and prosperous career where you will maintain a good living and contribute to society.”

Among the students honored was Jammie Slack, Jr, who comes from a long line of contractors, including his dad, several uncles and grandfather. Jammie has plans to open his own business in the future, but for now looks forward to learning and perfecting his skills within the HVAC industry.

Distinguished students were also recognized for their achievements at the SkillUSA Illinois competitions.