The Northern Wyoming Community College District (NWCCD) had a big showing at the state career and technical education competition.
Gillette College walked away from the Wyoming SkillsUSA competition with the top prize, earning 13 medals. This is the second year in a row Gillette College has won the competition. Sheridan College was the runner-up and also won 13 medals.
The competition focuses on how college students have learned skilled trades. The challenges range from welding and manufacturing to culinary skills and quiz bowl.
Jed Jensen, dean of career and technical education for NWCCD, said the results reinforce the success of its programs.
"I believe it validates the work we do in our programs, the things the instructors teach, by having our students be able to compete well in what I would say are industry-driven competitions," he said.
Gold medal winners will head to the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky in late June. Jensen said the programs have done very well at nationals historically.
"We place in the top 10 almost in all competitions, the top 20 in virtually all," he said.
Jensen said national competitions include much larger schools and programs.
