DEWALT® Supports American Skills in WorldSkills 2026
In a momentous opportunity for the United States, DEWALT®, a renowned brand under Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK), is backing two young stars representing America at
WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai, China.
Charlie Goede, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice from Connecticut, and
Tristan Coates, a 22-year-old carpenter hailing from Florida, are set to compete in the elite international skills competition that brings together the best trade professionals from around the globe.
DEWALT®'s Commitment to Trades Education
DEWALT® has been recognized as a premium partner and tools sponsor for
SkillsUSA and
WorldSkills International, two organizations that strive to advance the next generation of skilled professionals through education, training, and competition. Leveraging its
Grow the Trades initiative, which aims to invest $60 million in skilled trades education by 2030, DEWALT® aims to promote the importance of trades in cultivating strong communities and industries.
Bill Beck, President of Tools & Outdoors at Stanley Black & Decker remarked, "We are honored to support Charlie and Tristan as they represent the United States on the world stage. These exceptional individuals embody the unparalleled skill, relentless dedication, and passion that distinguish America's trades workforce."
Meet the Competitors
Charles "Charlie" Goede
Charlie, an impressive plumbing apprentice from Connecticut, has demonstrated his skills through notable achievements. He stands out as the official U.S. competitor for plumbing, having earned the title of
SkillsUSA Connecticut state champion before finishing as a national runner-up in plumbing at SkillsUSA 2024. With his remarkable hands-on experience and technical expertise, Goede is tirelessly training for this prestigious competition. He stated, "Getting a chance to represent the United States on the world stage in this competition is amazing. I never thought I'd end up on this stage, representing the United States!"
Tristan Coates
From Florida, Tristan Coates owns
Coates Builder Improvements, specializing in custom residential projects. As the official U.S. competitor for carpentry, Tristan has built a remarkable reputation for craftsmanship, earning him a
SkillsUSA Carpentry National Gold Medal in 2022. With his dedication and passion for construction, he is refining his skills to excel in WorldSkills 2026. Coates shared his feelings on competition by saying, "Competing at WorldSkills is a chance to showcase my skills and dedication. Winning would prove that hard work pays off and inspire greater achievements in my career."
Importance of Trades and Future Prospects
DEWALT®’s partnership with SkillsUSA and WorldSkills emphasizes the importance of skilled trades in today’s rapidly-evolving job market. The upcoming WorldSkills Competition is expected to highlight excellence and high standards within various vocational training fields, bringing fine recognition to participants.
Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA, commented on the event, saying, "Representing the United States at WorldSkills is an incredible honor, showcasing the skill and dedication our competitors have shown in their trades. Thanks to partners like DEWALT®, we can open doors for our competitors, empowering them to reach their fullest potential."
As competition day approaches, both Charlie and Tristan invite everyone to join their journeys and support them through following DEWALT® on
Facebook,
Instagram, and
LinkedIn. With the backing of DEWALT® and their unwavering passion, these young American talents are poised to make their mark on the global stage.
About DEWALT®
For over a century, DEWALT® has been a leader in providing innovative total job site solutions. Designed, built, and tested for productivity and safety, their tools have been essential in shaping the future of construction. To find out more, visit
www.dewalt.com.
About SkillsUSA and WorldSkills
SkillsUSA empowers students in technical education and career readiness across a range of disciplines, while
WorldSkills symbolizes excellence in vocational training worldwide. Both organizations play a key role in shaping the future of skilled professionals.
Join in supporting the rise of America’s trades workforce as we look forward to seeing Charlie Goede and Tristan Coates compete at
WorldSkills 2026!