Holmes, founder of Advantage Truck Group (ATG), began his business in 1984 with a service station in Ashland, Massachusetts, a gas pumper and $12,000 in life savings.

More than four decades later, ATG has grown into a three-state operation with eight locations selling and servicing big highway rigs, but Holmes has never lost sight of the people who will carry the industry forward. That’s a big reason why ATG has become such a strong supporter of SkillsUSA Massachusetts - including hosting the state diesel technician state competition for the sixth year this spring.

One of Duda’s most defining moves came early in his administrative career by making Pathfinder Tech a 100% SkillsUSA school when he became vocational director. Today, every Pathfinder Tech student has access to SkillsUSA opportunities, from leadership development to technical competitions at the district, state and national levels.

In a moment when industries are searching for skilled talent – and students are rethinking traditional college routes – apprenticeships are emerging as one of the most effective ways to bridge education and employment.

Leah Schneyer-VanZile walked into commercial baking competitions with confidence—and walked out with a broader vision for leadership. From finishing top five in the state as a freshman to being elected president of SkillsUSA Massachusetts, Schneyer-VanZile’s journey shows how career and technical education can fuel both ambition and impact.

What started as a practical decision to graduate as a “full senior” turned into a lifelong, learning-driven career for Sharon Clohesy. From discovering cosmetology by chance to opening her own salon and launching ROgHA Hair System, Clohesy’s journey shows how continuing to learn – far beyond required certifications – can turn a skill into a career and a career into a platform for impact.

When Brian Anastasio first stepped into the graphic design shop at Blue Hills Regional Technical School, he had no idea he’d one day become the voice telling the SkillsUSA Massachusetts story across its social platforms. Today, as the organization’s digital media specialist, he channels his own student experiences into telling the stories of others.

For Taunton High School senior Logan Rebello, what began as a love for cooking at home has grown into a journey that reaches far beyond the kitchen. The culinary arts student from Berkley spends much of his school day in the bustling Tiger Den restaurant or serving customers on the Tiger Truck food truck. But his story is also about finding his voice, first as a state SkillsUSA parliamentarian and now as the national Region 1 vice president.