The SkillsUSA competition showcases more than 5,600 career and technical education students
We’ve always known Fife resident and Bates Technical College student Chris Hansen excelled in leadership skills, and now he has a medal to prove it. Hansen was one of two students who represented Bates last month in the 49th SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Mo., where he won a bronze medal.
Hansen, a Biomedical Service Technician: Clinical Engineering student, placed third in the Job Interview category. The married father of two children will graduate with an associate of technology degree at the end of this month. He was the college’s commencement student speaker in June, and served as president of the Associated Student Government during the 2012-2013 school year.
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“Many colleges that have competed in SkillsUSA for years would be thrilled to welcome home a medalist,” said Ivan Gorne, vice president for Student Services, of Hansen. “For Chris to earn a bronze medal in Bates’ inaugural year of competition is phenomenal.”
The skills conference hosts more than 5,600 career and technical education students—all state contest winners, who compete in hands-on trade, technical and leadership fields. The competition is a multi-million-dollar event that occupies space equivalent to more than 16 football fields. This is Bates’ first time competing in the SkillsUSA competition.