Elite WorldSkills USA delegation of young skilled competitors to vie for medals at the "Olympics of Skilled Trades"

LEESBURG, Va., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Backed by growing industry support and thousands of hours of training, the elite group of young skilled professionals that comprise the 2026 WorldSkills USA team is ready to compete on a global stage at the prestigious 48th WorldSkills Competition, widely recognized as the "Olympics of skilled trades."
Nine U.S. competitors—all SkillsUSA champions in their home states—will showcase their career skills against the best-of-the-best from around the world. Held every two years, the WorldSkills Competition is the world's largest international gathering of skilled talent. An estimated 1,400 competitors from 73 countries and regions will compete in 64 skills, including seven new emerging occupations.
"This extraordinary group of U.S. competitors represents the absolute pinnacle of American talent, dedication, and technical skill," said Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. "They represent the best of American career and technical education and the vital workforce talent driving the national economy. We have unwavering confidence in their skills, their character, and their readiness to show the world what American ingenuity can achieve."

The 2026 WorldSkills USA delegation includes:

• Automobile Technology: James Cahill, 20 (Missouri) — A skilled automotive student who has demonstrated mastery over complex mechanical diagnostics and vehicle systems.
• Carpentry: Tristan Coates, 22 (Florida) — A business owner and former national champion who brings extensive structural and craft excellence to the team.
• CNC Milling: Alexis Squyres, 21 (Pennsylvania) — A graduate of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and national bronze medalist, specializing in complex multi-axis precision machining. She is the first female to represent the U.S. in this skill competition.
• Cooking: Elizabeth Brown, 22 (Missouri) — A culinary champion prepared to showcase world-class culinary technique, speed and artistic precision.
• Heavy Vehicle Technology: Benjamin Strupp, 21 (Wisconsin) — An exceptional diesel technician specializing in heavy industrial machinery, diagnostics and large-scale transportation repair.
• Mechatronics: Evan Chow, 24, and James Sutherland, 24 (Tennessee) — A powerhouse duo representing Tennessee in the intensive two-person industrial automation and robotic systems engineering competition.
• Plumbing and Heating: Charles Goede, 20 (Connecticut) — A dedicated plumbing apprentice backed by broad industry support, mastering advanced fluid, pressure and climate systems.
• Welding: Mikala Sposito, 21 (Michigan) — A welding champion whose mentor is a former WorldSkills competitor, demonstrating exceptional precision in complex structural and metallurgical joining. She is the first female to represent the U.S. in this skill competition.

SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organizations for students, has served as the official U.S. representative to WorldSkills since 1973 with the first U.S. delegation competing in 1975. More than 300 Americans have competed at WorldSkills.

"It feels incredible that someone from a small town in Wisconsin could train, work hard, and be chosen to represent my skills and knowledge as the competitor," said Strupp, the team's Heavy Vehicle Technology competitor. "My instructors believed in my potential, provided guidance and resources, and challenged me to work harder. This opportunity represents the results of that support, my dedication, and the chance to represent my country on an international stage."

To ensure peak performance in Shanghai, each team member is supported by business and industry partners and paired with a dedicated technical expert who planned and managed their training regimen. Competitors engaged in virtual training sessions and intensive in-person practices across the United States, Europe and Asia to refine their skills to world-class standards.

This year's experts include Rusty Brown, Automobile Technology; Daylan Torres, Bakery; James Redd, Car Painting; Boyd Worsham, Carpentry; Alden "JR" Colvin, CNC Milling; Greg Beachey, Cooking; Greg Vannorsdel, Heavy Vehicle Technology; Joshua Whittington, Mechatronics; Larry Shoemaker, Plumbing and Heating; Shelia Hyde-Clower, Restaurant Service; and Ray Connolly, Welding.

Participation is made possible by the support of business and industry partners, especially 3M, American Welding Society, DENSO, DeWALT, PHCC Educational Foundation and Tennant Company. Other partners include Caterpillar, Inc., John Deere, PPG Industries, Inc., Unilever, Zwilling, UA Local 777 JATC, Lincoln Electric, NCCER, Smithfield Foods, CERATIZIT and Red Wing Shoe Company. SkillsUSA also acknowledges numerous individual donors who have generously supported the WorldSkills USA team.

To learn more about the WorldSkills USA team, its experts, sponsors and history, visit worldskillsusa.org  Support the team's journey to Shanghai by visiting worldskillsusa.org/donate.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 444,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 16 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org.

About WorldSkills USA

SkillsUSA serves as the official U.S. representative to WorldSkills International, a global organization focused on elevating the visibility and recognition of skilled professionals. Under the name WorldSkills USA, SkillsUSA represents the United States in WorldSkills competitions. SkillsUSA (then known as VICA) was designated in 1973, and the U.S. first participated in the WorldSkills Competition in 1975. Learn more at worldskillsusa.org.

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SOURCE SkillsUSA