COVINA, CA – Covina-Valley Unified Trade-Tech Academy students demonstrated their expertise in welding, hair-cutting, electrical work, and more at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition in January, showcasing their career readiness and technical proficiency.

The SkillsUSA competition is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills in various career technical education (CTE) fields in real-world scenarios, performing hands-on tasks judged by industry professionals. This is the first year Trade-Tech Academy students have participated in the competition, and 15 students across all three Covina-Valley Unified comprehensive high schools advanced through regionals and will compete at the State competition in April.

“Our students gain invaluable skills in their CTE programs, and SkillsUSA is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their talents,” Trade-Tech Academy Principal Ryan Maddox said. “The competition also helps build confidence, strengthen their resumes, and prepare them for success in their chosen fields.”

The advancing students represent a range of CTE pathways, including the District’s new cosmetology program, as well as welding, metal fabrication, and residential electrician. Each program displayed skills from their pathways, some of which were filmed and submitted while others were performed in front of a panel of judges and proctors.

“This has been an incredible opportunity to grow and excel in a field where you don’t often see a lot of girls,” said Kayla Rodriguez, Covina High School senior and welding and metal fabrication student. “I am grateful for the hands-on opportunities Trade-Tech has provided, and for my instructor, Joe Velosa, who empowers me and motivates me every day to do my best.”

Rodriguez said she especially enjoys learning about cars, understanding how they function, and working with the tools used to fabricate the chassis and body while in class.

Northview High School senior Antonio Lopez Tostado placed first in residential electrician in the Skills USA Regionals Competition.

“What I’m learning in my classes will open many opportunities for me after graduation,” Lopez Tostado said. “Electricians will always be in demand, making this a fruitful career. It was really exciting getting first place in regionals and I can’t wait to compete in the state competition.”

Lopez Tostado credited his teacher, Michael Fonseca, for encouraging problem-solving and independent thinking, helping students work through questions rather than simply giving answers.

“Our many unique CTE pathways across Covina-Valley Unified provide students with real-world experience and certifications that help them discover their passions and prepare for meaningful careers after high school,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “We can’t wait to cheer on our Trade-Tech students as they represent our District in April.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_SKILLSUSA1: Covina-Valley Unified Trade-Tech Academy students showed off their expertise in welding, hair-cutting, electrical work, and more at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition in January, demonstrating their career readiness and technical proficiency.

CVUSD_SKILLSUSA2: Fifteen Covina-Valley Unified Trade-Tech Academy students advanced through the SkillsUSA Regional Competition, representing a range of CTE pathways, including the District’s new cosmetology program, as well as welding, metal fabrication, and residential electrician.

CVUSD_SKILLSUSA3: Covina-Valley Unified Trade-Tech Academy students participated in the SkillsUSA competition, demonstrating their skills in various career technical education fields in real-world scenarios.