Fonner Events

SkillsUSA - State Leadership & Skills Championship

Convention

The Nebraska SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Championships represent the premier showcase for career and technical education in the state. Held annually at Fonner Park and the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, this event brings together more than 2,000 students, educators, and industry leaders for a rigorous multi-day competition.

Participants compete in over 100 diverse categories—ranging from Architecture and Construction to Health Sciences, Information Technology, and Public Safety. The championships are designed to reward student excellence, involve industry professionals in direct performance evaluation, and ensure that vocational training remains aligned with current employer needs.

Beyond the technical competitions, the event serves as a platform for leadership development and career readiness. Top performers in each category earn the opportunity to represent Nebraska at the national championships. As a cornerstone of the Nebraska career and technical education calendar, the State Leadership and Skills Championships highlight the expertise and dedication of the next generation of the state’s workforce.