Four High School students who attend Orange Ulster BOCES’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) program were among those who earned medals at the recent SkillsUSA Area IV Regional Competitions.

In the Automotive Collision competition, Joshua Ulrichs earned second place; and Joshua Whitbeck earned third place.

The team of Julia Schrufer, Pietro Siena and Jessica Wells of Pine Bush High School earned second place in the Crime Scene Investigation competition.

All SkillsUSA members will compete in their area of study at the New York State Competition in Syracuse, to be held in late April, and will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills and gain confidence and experience in their respective fields.

Nearly 300 students from various high schools and BOCES facilities showcased their skills they developed in their CTE program. The annual event featured students from technical schools and BOCES programs throughout the Hudson Valley competing in 38 events ranging from Advertising Design to Welding.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, educators, and industry working together to create a skilled workforce of the future.   It’s a national student organization that teaches leadership and employability skills to help students succeed through the development of personal, workplace and technical skills that will connect them to career success.

SkillsUSA members have the opportunity to compete in their area competition to hone their skills in their journey to the state competition and for the top winners to go to nationals.

The Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center offers technical training programs preparing students for entry level positions in many occupations and post-secondary education.  The programs offered are available to high school students in grades 11 and 12 and meet high school graduation sequence requirements.