NEST Supports Future Leaders at SkillsUSA National Facilithon Competition

In an effort to foster the growth of young talent in facilities management, NEST, a leader in integrated facilities management, is stepping up to assist students participating in the inaugural Facilithon #NextGenOfFM National Finals. This competition, part of SkillsUSA, is designed to introduce high school and technical school students to the diverse career opportunities within this field.

The much-anticipated Facilithon finals will occur from June 1-5 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, coinciding with the massive SkillsUSA Championships. This year, over 6,800 champions from various states will congregate to compete in an extensive lineup of 115 leadership and skilled competitions, marking it as one of the most prominent hands-on workforce development events globally.

Rob Almond, the CEO of NEST, emphasized the significance of programs like Facilithon, stating, “They equip students with confidence, exposure, and a clearer understanding of how their skills can pave the way for fulfilling careers.” He articulated NEST’s commitment to creating access and awareness regarding the lucrative career paths available in facilities management.

Founded in South Jersey, NEST made headlines in 2023 by launching the Skilled Trades Advisory Council to tackle the pressing labor shortage in the trades realm. Supporting such initiatives as the Facilithon is a direct extension of their mission. It connects aspiring professionals with first-hand experiences, career exploration opportunities, and future pathways in the trades.

To make the journey to Atlanta feasible, NEST is providing travel support for students traveling from various parts of the nation. Notable participants include Ashley Vargas, the winner from the Pennsylvania Facilithon, who hails from Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove, and Drew Kraus from Hartford Union High School in Hartford, Wisconsin, who is returning to the national stage after a victorious performance in the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership Skills Conference.

James Zirbel, the chairman of FM Pipeline Team Inc., points out the notable shift happening in facilities management careers: “More often than not, individuals discover careers in facilities management by chance. With Facilithon, we are changing the narrative by presenting the field to students earlier, offering structured pathways into scholarships, internships, and promising future careers.” He credited NEST's support as crucial for strategically cultivating the next generation of leaders in facilities management.

The Facilithon competition evaluates students on their capability to excel in a facilities management setting, featuring a 50-question quiz, a 10-minute role-play scenario, and the FM Challenge — an emergency situation requiring real-time responses from the contestants. This structure not only enhances their skills but also raises awareness about a career path that many young individuals are unaware of. It is administered by FM Pipeline Team Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing facilities management talent programs across the U.S. and beyond.

The SkillsUSA Championships are the national culmination of a year-long journey, starting from local chapters through district and state competitions, leading to the opportunity for state gold medalists to compete on a national level. As the world eagerly anticipates this significant event, NEST continues to play an essential role in bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness, leading to bright futures for aspiring facilities management professionals.

About NEST

NEST is recognized as a pioneer in the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) industry spanning the United States and Canada. Established in 1994, NEST offers comprehensive facilities management services encompassing daily tactical management, financial consulting, project management, and analytics for widespread multi-site brands across North America. The company prides itself on providing 24/7 support through its unified facilities management solution that emphasizes cost savings alongside an exceptional customer experience. For more details about NEST, visit enterNEST.com or follow them on LinkedIn.