June 30, 2008

Cowley student places 23rd at SkillsUSA national contest

After finishing in first place at the SkillsUSA Kansas State Contest held in April, Cowley College student Jeff Gage placed 23rd at the SkillsUSA National Contest held June 23-28 in Kansas City, Mo.

 Gage and the other contestants competed in NIMS Level I & II manual machining skills and knowledge areas including operation of manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and surface grinders. Contestants knowledge of CNC programming skills using a PC were also evaluated. 

Related knowledge and skill in the areas of engineering drawing interpretation, GD&T, technical math, machining practices, use of precision measuring/hand tools and ability to communicate verbally using proper industry terminology was also part of the competition.

SkillsUSA, which comprises students, teachers and industry, aims to improve the skill levels of the country’s work force.