TCAT students show off their skills at SkillsUSA

The 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference was held in Atlanta from June 1-5, bringing together more than 18,000 students, advisors, educators, administrators, business leaders and industry partners from across the nation. NLSC is the premier national event for providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate technical excellence and showcase the skills they’ve developed through their training at technical colleges.

Approximately 300 of those participants were from Tennessee, forming the state’s largest-ever delegation at the competition. Students from Tennessee College of Applied Technology, along with other community colleges and universities, competed in categories including Computer Information Technology, Electrical Motor Control, Industrial Maintenance, Building Construction and Collision Repair.

Tennessee’s performance positioned the state as the largest medal-winning College/Postsecondary delegation in the nation, earning more medals than any other state in the College/Postsecondary division. Across all educational divisions combined, Tennessee finished as the second-highest medal-earning state in the nation, demonstrating the strength of Career and Technical Education programs throughout the state.

Tennessee students earned 63 medals, including 23 gold, 23 silver and 17 bronze medals. They also earned 68 Skill Point Certificates, awarded to competitors who met industry-defined standards of excellence in their contests.

TCAT Pulaski achieved a historic milestone as the first Tennessean post-secondary chapter to win the national Models of Excellence Workplace Skills Championship, the highest recognition awarded by SkillsUSA with only one national champion per category, per year.

Their achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism and determination that define the college’s programs. Faculty and staff are proud of the students’ willingness to challenge themselves on a statewide stage, represent their campuses and gain valuable experience that will benefit them as they enter Tennessee’s skilled workforce.

Next year’s 2027 State Leadership and Skills Conference will take place April 11-14. If you’re interested in volunteering or serving as an industry partner, technical chair or judge—thanks to Ben Lomand Connect for sending two judges this year.