LEESBURG, VA. – SkillsUSA, the organization that represents the U.S. in the WorldSkills Competition, will send 16 students, including Leroy Rogers, a resident of West Allis, Wis., and student at M.A.T.C. College, as part of the U.S. WorldTeam to compete in the international event, Sept. 1-7, 2009.

Rogers made the U.S. WorldTeam by winning local, district and national contests in plumbing under the SkillsUSA program. 

Every two years, hundreds of young people from 51 member countries or regions compete in the WorldSkills Competition. Member countries include: Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil and many others. These contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas such as construction, manufacturing, information technology, transportation and services. Accompanied by their teachers, trainers and industry technical committee experts, these young people compete before the public in contests that are run and judged by industry professionals, using international standards.

WorldSkills Intl. has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in technical training. This year, more than 1,000 competitors will test their skills at Stampede Park situated on 193 acres with 800,000-sq.ft. of competition space. Five thousand international experts, delegates and judges from around the world and 3,000 volunteers will attend the event.

Organizations supporting United States’ participation in the WorldSkills Competition include Lowe’s Companies Inc., United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization helps students excel by augmenting their technical education with training in leadership, team working skills, and citizenship and character development.