In a down economy and in the midst of a financial crisis it was very encouraging to see teachers come together this year at the Annual SkillsUSA California Leadership and Competition Conference inSan Diego to give students an outstanding learning experience. Teachers told me they stay involved because they often see students’ lives are transformed with the spark of competition and achievement and as a result stronger teacher/student/learning bond is established.

Justin Locketz, a teacher from MetroED, helped to organize the Computer Maintenance Technology competition this year with support from MetroED is the largest career-oriented educational organization in Santa Clara County, comprised of high school and adult career technical, academic and community programs. MetroED annually provides more than 20,000 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income-earning and tax-paying contributors to Silicon Valley.

One of the competition judges stated, “These students are solving complex issues in a short amount of time. This really gives me an indication of how they would do in my office and if successful, they will represent California well.”

The computer repair competition at SkillsUSA California was revised in 2011 to align with national standards and expectations. Students were judged in a variety of knowledge and skills based assessments including written tests, interviewing, electrical diagnostics and software troubleshooting.

Students were given three scenarios taken from problems experienced in the field and given 30 minutes to solve each issue. Feedback from the contestants indicated that they found the contest to be very realistic and challenging. Contestants moving on to nationals will be better prepared for the contest ahead with the integration of skills and techniques expected in Kansas.