Skills Day Competition Boosts Student Interest in Trade Education

Skills Day brings together local high school students for a full day of hands-on competition, career exploration and industry connection. Designed to highlight technical skills and career pathways, Skills Day welcomed students to the Aims Greeley Campus, where they competed in a series of challenges testing their welding abilities, technical knowledge and equipment operation.

Students rotated through three core competition areas: a hands-on welding project based on blueprint interpretation, a written exam covering welding theory and a tractor operation course tied to the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program certification. 

“This has become a day that students really look forward to,” said Kelly Longacre, agriculture teacher at Greeley West High School. “It gives them a chance to demonstrate their skills in a real-world environment while building a strong connection to Aims. Our long-term goal is to create a clear pathway from high school into college and ultimately into careers.”

Since its launch in 2024, Skills Day has continued to grow. What began with students from Greeley West High School and the District 6 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center has expanded to include multiple schools across Weld County, with participation approaching 60 students this year.

“A strong partnership between secondary and postsecondary education is critical for student success,” Longacre said. “Events like this allow students to experience Aims firsthand and see the opportunities available to them.”

This year’s event also introduced a panel of industry professionals, giving students insight into career options, hiring expectations and education pathways in the trades.

“We want students to understand the full pipeline, from high school to Aims to employment,” said Cody Jones, Aims welding professor. “By connecting them directly with industry professionals, we’re helping students see what’s possible and how to get there.”

The day concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing top competitors.

Skills Day Competition Winners

Ten students advanced to the final round, with the top three winners announced. 

• First place | Michael Berry | Northridge High School
• Second place | Miguel Hernandez | Greeley West High School 
• Third place | Christian Meza | District 6 Career & Technical Education Center

As Skills Day grows, it helps more students explore careers in the trades and connect education to real-world opportunities. 

Study Welding at Aims

Aims provides students with hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs and industry-standard equipment at the Greeley and Fort Lupton campuses. Guided by experienced instructors, students gain technical skills, problem-solving, safety awareness and teamwork abilities essential to success in the field. To learn more, visit aims.co/welding.