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SME Education Foundation Student Summits SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing Competition

The next generation of talent showcasing additive manufacturing technology knowledge at SkillsUSA.

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SkillsUSA is a leading workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.

In 2013, SME partnered with Stratasys to develop the SkillsUSA additive manufacturing competition. The competition introduces the next generation of manufacturers to emerging additive manufacturing technologies, while providing them with hands-on, real-world experience they can apply to commercial products. Student teams complete activities that range from designing and printing objects that help streamline factory processes to solving real-life problems. Since 2013, 600 high school and postsecondary students have participated. 

Members of the winning teams are awarded scholarships, 3D printers, and other valuable resources.

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Get Involved with SkillsUSA

Curious about the SkillsUSA competition and how your students can participate? Get them started on an exciting journey of skill-building and competition! Contact our team today for details.

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Past Challenges

Past SkillsUSA Competitions

Dive into past challenges of the SkillsUSA Additive Manufacturing Competition and be inspired by the exceptional students who've showcased their talent.

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Explore SkillsUSA

Discover how SkillsUSA is helping to empower students to become confident and skilled professionals, leaders, and community members.

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Bob Willig, CEO
“Through SME’s partnership with Stratasys we empower tomorrow’s talent to experience, first-hand, additive technology's application on the job through the SkillsUSA Competition,” said Robert “Bob” Willig, executive director and CEO of SME. “One of the things students enjoy most about working through these challenges is experiencing the process of iterating, testing, and adjusting their design, which is exactly why additive manufacturing is being embraced globally, across all sectors. We are proud to host a program like SkillsUSA which supports educating the manufacturing professionals of tomorrow.”
Robert Willig | Executive Director and CEO, SME
Chelle Travis, SkillsUSA
“As Executive Director of SkillsUSA, I recognize the profound importance of the Additive Manufacturing competition at both the state and national levels. This competition not only cultivates creativity and technical prowess among our students but also prepares them for the forefront of modern manufacturing. With SME and Stratasys as integral partners, we ensure our contestants receive unparalleled expertise and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, shaping them into career-ready professionals.”
Chelle Travis | Executive Director, SkillsUSA
Yoav Zeif, CEO, Stratasys
“Additive Manufacturing (AM) is playing a crucial role in transforming traditional production methods. Alongside offering AM's unique benefits, our commitment extends to education and workforce development. This initiative equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to influence the future of manufacturing. SME excels in providing learning opportunities for tomorrow's manufacturers, and we are proud to support the National Additive Manufacturing Competition at SKILLS USA.”
Yoav Zeif | CEO, Stratasys