Annual Report 2017-2018 Annual Report_2018_single pages | Page 4

PROGRAM OF WORK Our “Program of Work” describes a series of year-long events and workshops that teach our students employability and job readiness skills through practice. Close to 1,500 students actively participate in SkillsUSA Council programs, trainings, and activities that were conducted in and out of school. SIGNING DAY SkillsUSA Council hosted the first ever “District 11 Signing Day”, sponsored by Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. The program recognized over 100 graduating students heading directly into the workforce with a full-time job secured in their trade, graduates attending post-secondary institutions to pursue studies related to their trade and those joining the Military. This event was modeled after similar signing day programs for students receiving athletic scholarships. In addition to the students recognized over 250 were in attendance including industry leaders, post-secondary and military representatives, legislators and parents. The event promoted the growing importance of Career and Technical Education and the essential role it plays in building a strong workforce in the Greater Lehigh Valley and received significant press coverage from The Morning Call, Lehigh Valley Live, Lehigh Valley Business and The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Council. “ The name of SkillsUSA Council begins with the number one workforce requirement: skills,” “Whether you’re pursuing higher education skills, or skills in our industry sectors like manufacturing, finance and insurance, health care, transportation and warehousing, professional, scientific, technical, or anything else: it’s all about skills.” -Nancy Dischinat, Executive Director of Workforce Board Lehigh Valley