The 2026 SkillsUSA Minnesota State Leadership and Skills Conference was held late March, and SCTCC students once again showed up, brought home the wins, and are getting ready for nationals.
The annual event highlights the talents of students across the state, with more than 550 students attending from 27 schools to complete in nearly 60 trade, technical, and leadership contests.
Auto Body Collision Technology
Lucas Kunstleben from Pierz placed 2nd in Collision Damage Appraisal and 3rd in Automotive Refinishing Technology.
Emerson Lindberg from Kimball compete at the high school level and placed 3rd in Automotive Refinishing Technology; 3rd in Collision Damage Appraisal; and 3rd in Collision Repair Technology.
Automotive Service Technician
Vincent Sohlstrom from Foley placed 1st in Automotive Service Technology at the high school level.
Simon Hafstad from St. Cloud placed 3rd in Automotive Service Technology.
Diesel Truck Technician
Aiden Kjeldergaard from Foley placed 2nd in Diesel Equipment Technology at the high school level.
Electrical Construction Technology
Ben Everson from Grasston placed 1st in Industrial Motor Control.
William Kuhn from Monticello placed 1st in Industrial Motor Control at the high school level.
Erika Czech from Hutchinson placed 3rd in Industrial Motor Control.
Keegan Middendorf from Sauk Centre placed 3rd in Electrical Construction Wiring.
HVAC/R
Carter Bolduc from St. Michael placed 1st in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
The four first-place winners have the opportunity to compete at the national 2026 SkillsUSA Championships held in Atlanta this June.
SkillsUSA helps develop skills grounded in academics to prepare students for success in both their careers and personal lives.