Rise to the State Stage.
The State Leadership & Skills Conference brings together SkillsUSA Massachusetts members from across the Commonwealth for competition, leadership, recognition, and connection. Students put their technical and professional skills to the test in the SkillsUSA Championships, participate in leadership experiences, connect with industry professionals, and celebrate the accomplishments of chapters from across the state. SLSC is where months of preparation come together—and where Massachusetts champions earn the opportunity to advance to the national stage.
SLSC
State Leadership & Skills Conference
What: State Competition, Leadership & Career Development Conference
When: April 29, 30 & May 1, 2027
Cost: Students (Quad) — $550.00 per person, Students (Triple) — $575.00 per person, Teachers (Double) — $635.00 per person, Teachers (Single) — $715.00 per person
Key Registration Info: Registration opens March 15, 2027; registration closes April 2, 2027.
The State Leadership & Skills Conference is the culmination of the SkillsUSA Massachusetts program year, bringing chapters from across the Commonwealth together to compete, connect, and celebrate student achievement. Over the course of the conference, members take part in the Massachusetts SkillsUSA Championships, leadership contests, delegate activities, recognition programs, general sessions, and chapter experiences designed to showcase the skills they have built throughout the year.
For many students, SLSC represents the next step after months of preparation at the local and district levels. Qualifying competitors put their technical and leadership abilities to the test in contests hosted at conference hotels and partner competition sites across Massachusetts. Students also participate as state officer candidates, voting delegates, design contestants, leadership competitors, and members of special recognition programs, making the conference much more than a competition alone.
SLSC also brings together advisors, educators, business and industry partners, judges, volunteers, and SkillsUSA Massachusetts staff to support students throughout the experience. Advisors participate in training and professional development, industry professionals help evaluate and support competitions, and chapters come together to recognize the accomplishments of their members. The conference concludes by celebrating state champions and outstanding members, with eligible gold medalists earning the opportunity to represent Massachusetts at the National Leadership & Skills Conference.
SkillsUSA
Championships
Building &
Transportation
Cluster
Building Trades A
- Commercial Roofing (Limited Demonstration) Applies roofing layout, material installation, safety and jobsite practices in a commercial roofing setting.
- Industrial Motor Controls Tests wiring, troubleshooting and control-circuit skills used with industrial motors and electrical systems.
- Masonry Demonstrates brick and block layout, mortar work, measurement and construction craftsmanship.
- Sheet Metal Measures, lays out, fabricates and assembles sheet-metal components using industry tools and techniques.
- Electrical Construction Wiring Installs and troubleshoots electrical systems while following plans, codes and safe wiring practices.
Building Trades B
- Cabinetmaking Builds and finishes a cabinet project using accurate layout, machining, assembly and woodworking techniques.
- Carpentry Demonstrates framing, layout, measurement and construction skills through a hands-on carpentry project.
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Tests HVAC installation, service, troubleshooting and system-knowledge skills.
- Painting & Design Technology Demonstrates surface preparation, finishing, color application and decorative painting techniques.
- Plumbing Installs and assembles piping systems using proper measurements, fittings, tools and plumbing practices.
Building Trades C
- TeamWorks A team construction challenge combining carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical skills on one coordinated project.
Metal Trades A
- Automated Manufacturing Teams plan and produce a manufactured part using CAD/CAM, CNC equipment and production processes.
- CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer Creates and verifies CNC programs for two-axis turning operations using machining specifications.
- CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer Develops CNC programs for three-axis milling operations from drawings and machining requirements.
- CNC 5-Axis Programmer (Limited Demonstration) Programs complex multi-axis machining operations using advanced CNC planning and toolpath strategies.
- CNC Programmer Applies machining knowledge to create, interpret and troubleshoot CNC programs for manufacturing tasks.
Metal Trades B
- Mechatronics Teams integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and automated-control systems to solve technical challenges.
- Welding Performs multiple welding processes while demonstrating setup, technique, safety and weld quality.
- Welding Sculpture Designs and fabricates an original metal sculpture using welding, cutting and finishing techniques.
Transportation Service Trades A
- Automotive Refinishing Technology Prepares and refinishes vehicle surfaces while demonstrating color matching, spray techniques and safety.
- Criminal Justice (Public Safety) Applies public-safety procedures, communication, decision-making and criminal-justice knowledge in practical scenarios.
- Collision Damage Appraisal Evaluates vehicle damage and prepares an accurate repair estimate using collision-industry procedures.
- Collision Repair Technology Repairs damaged vehicle structures and panels using body repair, measuring and refinishing preparation skills.
- Power Equipment Technology Diagnoses and repairs small engines and outdoor power equipment using mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Transportation Service Trades B
- Automotive Service Technology Diagnoses and services automotive systems through hands-on mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting stations.
- Diesel Equipment Technology Troubleshoots and services diesel engines, electrical systems, brakes, hydraulics and related heavy-equipment components.
- Marine Service Technology Diagnoses and services marine engines and boat systems using mechanical, electrical and troubleshooting skills.
Health &
Technology
Cluster
Health Occupations A
- Health Knowledge Bowl Teams answer health-science questions covering anatomy, terminology, careers and core healthcare knowledge.
- Medical Assisting Demonstrates clinical and administrative skills commonly performed in medical offices and outpatient settings.
- Nurse Assisting Performs essential patient-care skills while demonstrating safety, communication and professional nursing-assistant practices.
- Practical Nursing Applies practical nursing knowledge and patient-care skills through written and hands-on clinical scenarios.
Health Occupations B
- Basic Health Care Skills Demonstrates foundational patient-care, safety and communication skills used across healthcare occupations.
- Biotechnology Knowledge Bowl (Limited Demonstration) Teams demonstrate knowledge of biotechnology concepts, laboratory practices, terminology and applications.
- Dental Assisting Performs chairside, infection-control and dental-office procedures used in professional dental assisting.
- First Aid/CPR Responds to emergency scenarios using first aid, CPR and appropriate safety procedures.
Health Occupations C
- Health Occupations Professional Portfolio Presents a professional portfolio highlighting healthcare preparation, experiences, skills and career readiness.
- Medical Math Solves healthcare-related calculations involving dosage, measurement, conversions and applied medical mathematics.
- Medical Terminology Demonstrates understanding of medical vocabulary, word construction, abbreviations and healthcare terminology.
- Early Childhood Education Plans and presents developmentally appropriate learning activities while demonstrating child-development and classroom skills.
Occupational Support Trades A
- Principles of Engineering Applies engineering design, problem-solving, measurement and technical reasoning to an assigned challenge.
- Engineering Technology Uses engineering concepts, design processes and technical tools to solve applied technology problems.
- Technical Computer Applications Completes workplace-style computer tasks using common productivity, data and digital communication tools.
- Web Design Creates a functional, user-focused website using design principles, coding and digital-content skills.
Occupational Support Trades B
- Information Technology Service Diagnoses, configures and supports computer hardware, operating systems, networks and end-user technology.
- Computer Programming Designs and writes computer programs to solve defined problems using logical and efficient coding practices.
- Cybersecurity Identifies, analyzes and responds to cybersecurity challenges involving systems, networks and digital security practices.
- Internet of Things Builds or configures connected-device solutions using sensors, networking, programming and data communication.
- Internetworking Configures and troubleshoots network devices, addressing, routing, switching and connectivity.
- Telecommunications Cabling Installs, terminates and tests copper and fiber cabling using telecommunications standards and tools.
Occupational Support Trades C
- Facilithon Explores facilities-management skills through problem solving, teamwork and real-world building-operations scenarios.
Technology Events
- Electronics Technology Builds, measures and troubleshoots electronic circuits using schematics, instruments and component knowledge.
- Mobile Robotics Teams design, build and program a mobile robot to complete assigned autonomous and driver-controlled tasks.
- Robotics & Automation Technology Integrates robotics, sensors, controls and automation systems to complete technical production challenges.
- Urban Search & Rescue Teams design and operate a robotic system to navigate simulated search-and-rescue tasks and hazards.
Design &
Service
Cluster
Service Occupation A
- Baking & Pastry Arts Produces baked goods and pastries while demonstrating preparation, timing, sanitation and presentation skills.
- Culinary Arts Prepares a multi-component culinary menu while demonstrating knife skills, cooking methods, sanitation and presentation.
- Restaurant Service Demonstrates dining-room service, guest interaction, table setup and professional hospitality skills.
Service Occupation B
- Cosmetology Performs professional hair, nail and related cosmetology services while demonstrating technique, sanitation and client care.
- Esthetics Demonstrates skincare consultation, facial services, makeup and sanitation practices used by esthetics professionals.
- Natural Hair & Braiding Performs natural-hair styling and braiding techniques while demonstrating sectioning, control, sanitation and finished design.
- Nail Care Performs professional manicure and nail-service techniques with emphasis on sanitation, safety and finished appearance.
Commercial Design A
- Advertising Design Creates a visual advertising solution that communicates a clear message through layout, typography and design.
- Audio/Radio Production Teams plan, record and edit an audio production using scripting, performance and sound-production techniques.
- Photography Creates and presents photographic work demonstrating composition, technical control, editing and visual storytelling.
- Television Production Teams plan, shoot and edit a video production while demonstrating storytelling, camera, audio and post-production skills.
Commercial Design B
- 3D Visualization and Animation Creates three-dimensional models and animated visuals using digital design, rendering and storytelling techniques.
- Additive Manufacturing Designs and prepares a part for 3D printing while applying CAD, manufacturing and production-planning skills.
- Architecture Drafting Produces architectural drawings and plans using drafting standards, design information and CAD tools.
- Technical Drafting Creates precise technical drawings from specifications using drafting conventions, measurement and CAD software.
Commercial Design C
- Graphic Communications Completes print-production tasks involving design, prepress, color, output and graphic communications workflow.
- Graphic Imaging Sublimation Creates and produces sublimated graphics while demonstrating digital design, color management and transfer-production techniques.
- Screen Printing Technology Prepares artwork and produces screen-printed graphics using setup, registration, ink and production techniques.
Leadership &
Training
Cluster
Demonstration Skill Events
- Action Skills Presents a workplace skill demonstration adapted for students in occupational training programs.
- Job Skill Demonstration A Explains and demonstrates a technical skill from the contestant's occupational training area.
- Job Skill Demonstration Open Explains and demonstrates a skill of the contestant's choice using organized instruction and presentation techniques.
Display and Notebook Events
- American Spirit Award Documents and presents chapter activities that promote patriotism, citizenship, community involvement and SkillsUSA values.
- Chapter Display Designs a three-dimensional display that communicates SkillsUSA themes, chapter identity and program involvement.
- Promotional Bulletin Board Display Creates a bulletin-board display that promotes SkillsUSA through clear messaging, design and visual organization.
- Outstanding Chapter Recognizes comprehensive chapter achievement through documented leadership, service, membership and Program of Work activities.
- Occupational Health & Safety - Single** Documents an individual occupational safety program focused on hazards, prevention and safe workplace practices.
- Occupational Health & Safety - Multiple** Teams document a comprehensive occupational safety program addressing workplace hazards, prevention and safety culture.
Freshman Events
- Career Choice Commentary Presents a freshman-focused explanation of a selected career and the education, skills and opportunities connected to it.
- Exploratory Project Demonstration Demonstrates an exploratory technical project while explaining the process, tools, skills and learning involved.
- Safety Poster Design Creates an original poster that communicates a clear workplace or school safety message through effective visual design.
- Sticker Design Creates an original SkillsUSA-themed sticker concept using clear branding, creativity and production-ready design.
Individual Leadership Events
- Extemporaneous Speech Delivers an organized speech on a selected topic after a limited preparation period.
- Job Interview Completes a simulated employment process including application materials, professional communication and an interview.
- Prepared Speech Delivers a researched and rehearsed speech demonstrating organization, message development and professional presentation.
Occupationally Related Events
- Community Service Documents and presents a chapter service project demonstrating planning, participation and measurable community impact.
- Customer Service Responds to simulated customer situations using communication, problem solving and professional service techniques.
- Entrepreneurship Teams develop and present a business concept including market strategy, operations, finance and entrepreneurial planning.
- Related Technical Math Solves applied mathematics problems commonly encountered in technical and occupational careers.
Team Leadership Events
- Career Pathways Showcase** Teams present a project connecting academic, technical and employability skills to a defined career pathway.
- Chapter Business Procedure Teams conduct a simulated chapter meeting using parliamentary procedure, officer roles and proper meeting practices.
- Community Action Project Teams present a community-focused project that identifies a need, develops a solution and demonstrates impact.
- Employment Application Process Completes an employment application and interview-style activities demonstrating job-readiness and professional communication.
- Opening & Closing Ceremonies Teams perform the official SkillsUSA opening and closing ceremonies with accuracy, teamwork and professional presentation.
Building Trades A
- Commercial Roofing (Demonstration)
- Industrial Motor Control
- Masonry
- Electrical Construction Wiring
- Sheet Metal
Building Trades B
- Cabinetmaking
- Carpentry
- HVACR
- Painting and Design Technology
- Plumbing
Building Trade C & Occupational Support Trades C
- TeamWorks
- Facilithon
Commercial Design A
- Advertising Design
- Audio / Radio Production
- Television (Video) Production
- Photography
Commercial Design B
- 3D Visualization & Animation
- Additive Manufacturing
- Architectural Drafting
- Technical Drafting
Commercial Design C
- Graphic Communications
- Graphic Imaging Sublimation
- Screen Printing Technology
Demonstration Skills Events
- Action Skills
- Job Skill Demonstration A
- Job Skill Demonstration Open
Display & Notebook Events
- American Spirit
- Chapter Display
- Promotional Bulletin Board
- Occupational Health & Safety (Single and Multi)
- Outstanding Chapter
Freshman Events
- Career Choice Commentary
- Exploratory Project Demo
- Safety Poster Design
- Sticker Design
Health Occupations A
- Health Knowledge Bowl
- Medical Assistant
- Nurse Assistant
- Practical Nursing
Health Occupations B
- Basic Health Care
- Biotechnology Knowledge Bowl (Demonstration)
- Dental Assisting
- First Aid / CPR
Health Occupations C
- Early Childhood Education
- Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
- Medical Math
- Medical Terminology
Individual Leadership Events
- Extemporaneous Speech
- Job Interview
- Prepared Speech
Metal Trades A
- Automated Manufacturing Technology
- CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer
- CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer
- CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer (Demonstration)
- CNC Programmer
Metal Trades B
- Mechatronics
- Welding
- Welding Sculpture
Occupational Support Trades A
- Engineering Technology
- Principles of Engineering
- Technical Computer Applications
- Web Design
Occupational Support Trades B
- Information Technology Service
- Internet of Things
- Computer Programming
- Cyber Security
- Internetworking
- Telecommunications Cabling
Occupationally Related Events
- Community Service
- Customer Service
- Entrepreneurship
- Related Technical Math
Service Occupations A
- Commercial Baking
- Culinary Arts
- Restaurant Service
Service Occupations B
- Cosmetology
- Nail Care
- Esthetics
- Natural Hair and Braiding
Team Leadership Events
- Career Pathways Showcase
- Chapter Business Procedure
- Community Action Project
- Employment Application Process
- Opening & Closing Ceremonies
Technology Events
- Electronics Technology
- Robotics and Automation Technology
- Mobile Robotics Technology
- Urban Search & Rescue
Transportation Service Trades A
- Automotive Refinishing Technology
- Collision Damage Appraisal
- Collision Repair Technology
- Power Equipment Technology
- Criminal Justice
Transportation Service Trades B
- Automotive Service Technology
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Marine Service Technology

