SkillsUSA names Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology Harriman & Pulaski as National Models of Excellence

SkillsUSA has selected the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology at Harriman and Pulaski as two of its 24 national Models of Excellence for 2023, the highest honor bestowed on SkillsUSA chapters.

SkillsUSA is one of the nation’s largest student organizations for career and technical education. Its Models of Excellence program annually recognizes the exceptional integration of personal, workplace and technical skills into SkillsUSA chapter activities.

TCAT Harriman and TCAT Pulaski are among the state’s 37 public community and technical colleges comprising the College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

TCAT Harriman students Cameron Cofer, left, and Thomas Anderson are prepared for the presentation and interview portion of the SkillsUSA Models of Excellence program at the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta.      

Rob Alford (center), Tennessee College of Applied Technology Pulaski Special Industry Training Coordinator and SkillsUSA Advisor, and students Bethany Fitzgerald and Steven Russ at the SkillsUSA Models of Excellence recognition dinner during the SkillsUSA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta.

The focus of Models of Excellence is student-led activation. Students learn and practice the skills that every employer seeks, including leadership, initiative, communication, teamwork and problem solving by taking the lead on all SkillsUSA activities.

“Our Models of Excellence represent the very best in SkillsUSA chapter achievement and community involvement,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “These students represent America’s future skilled workforce and are future leaders in their local communities. It is a tremendous honor for these chapters and the recognition validates these outstanding SkillsUSA programs and schools.”

Models of Excellence promotes the intentional learning of personal, workplace and technical skills outlined in the SkillsUSA Framework for student development. Specific characteristics defined within each skill area provide tangible benchmarks for student achievement and chapter programming. Achievement is measured by student efforts in implementing essential workplace skills including personal responsibility, integrity, work ethic and organization in chapter activities. The hands-on approach of this program actualizes the SkillsUSA mission of empowering members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.

The full list of the 24 Models of Excellence for 2023 is on the SkillsUSA website here.