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Showcase of Talent in Shanghai

From September 22-27, 2026, an elite team from SkillsUSA, comprised of nine of the nation's most talented young professionals, will represent the United States at the renowned WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. Known as the "Olympics of Skilled Trades," this event showcases the best skilled workers from around the globe.

The U.S. competitors were meticulously selected, each having earned the title of champion in their respective states. They have undergone intensive training and are backed by strong industry support as they prepare to compete against 1,400 participants from 73 countries across 64 different skill sets, including seven new emerging trades.

Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA, stated, "This extraordinary group of U.S. competitors represents the absolute pinnacle of American talent, dedication, and technical skill. They embody the best of American career and technical education, contributing vital workforce talent that drives the national economy. We are confidently standing behind them."

Meet the Competitors

The team will feature a diverse lineup of skilled individuals:

• - James Cahill (20, Missouri) - Specializing in Automobile Technology, he has demonstrated mastery of mechanical diagnostics.
• - Tristan Coates (22, Florida) - A national champion in Carpentry, he brings entrepreneurial expertise to the competition.
• - Alexis Squyres (21, Pennsylvania) - Representing CNC Milling, she is not only a national bronze medalist but also the first female contestant from the U.S. in this category.
• - Elizabeth Brown (22, Missouri) - Brings exceptional skill as a Cooking champion, prepared to demonstrate artistic culinary techniques.
• - Benjamin Strupp (21, Wisconsin) - An expert in Heavy Vehicle Technology with a focus on diesel machinery diagnostics.
• - Evan Chow and James Sutherland (24, Tennessee) - This duo excels in Mechatronics, engaging in industrial automation and robotics.
• - Charles Goede (20, Connecticut) - A plumbing apprentice master in Plumbing and Heating.
• - Mikala Sposito (21, Michigan) - A champion welder representing Welding, she is the first female to do so in this competition.

Preparation for Success

To ensure their success in Shanghai, each competitor has received personalized support from both industry partners and expert mentors. They engaged in virtual training sessions and participated in rigorous practice sessions across various locations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia overall. This extensive preparation focused on honing their skills to meet world-class standards.

The mentoring process involves leading experts in respective fields who guide the competitors in their training regimens, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Participating companies and organizations such as 3M, DENSO, and American Welding Society, have played essential roles in this endeavor, supporting these young talents financially and resource-wise.

SkillsUSA's Legacy

Since its establishment in 1965, SkillsUSA has served as the foremost workforce development organization for students, representing over 444,000 career and technical education students nationwide. SkillsUSA has proudly stood as the U.S. representative to WorldSkills International since 1973 and has seen more than 300 Americans participate in this global platform.

Competitors like Benjamin Strupp express the profound honor of representing the U.S., attributing their achievements to supportive instructors and their unwavering commitment. As the team heads toward Shanghai, visitors and supporters can find more information and support their journey at worldskillsusa.org.

The WorldSkills Competition not only highlights the skills of talented individuals but also emphasizes the vital role that skilled trades play in the economy. SkillsUSA’s mission remains focused on bridging the skills gap, fostering career readiness among youth, and ensuring a robust workforce for the future.