SkillsUSA motto
Skills USA has been a club at Hastings High School for 10+ years.
Matthew Hurt is not only a teacher at HHS, but has been the lead SkillsUSA Advisor since 2012.
“I enjoy doing it because SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. This organization truly helps students and their future,” Hurt said.
Hurt found a passion for SkillsUSA at a young age. He competed in cabinetmaking in high school and welding fabrication in college. The impact SkillsUSA has made on youth today is incredible.
“It sets our students up for success. We directly work on the student’s leadership skills and their hands-on career-based skills,” Hurt said.
SkillsUSA serves more than 331,000 students and instructors annually. It is a nonprofit national education association. SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations.
”We have a place for everyone that wants to build their leadership and career-based skills. At our state competition, we have 98 career and leadership-based competitions. These competitions range from areas like prepared speech to commercial baking and diesel equipment,” Hurt said.
The student body has approximately 1,100 students and under 100 participate in Hastings High School’s SkillsUSA chapter, but that doesn’t stop Mr. Hurt and his team from recruiting.
“We are constantly encouraging students to get involved. Our organization is still very unknown within this school, so attracting students that are not in our direct classes is difficult. Our best recruiter is our student members explaining the importance of SkillsUSA,” Hurt said.
Just like any other activity, it impacts high school students’ lives for the better, including Mr. Hurt.
“I have fully enjoyed everything about SkillsUSA, it’s the best-kept secret. Personally, it has been rewarding. I have served on the SkillsUSA Nebraska Board of Directors for the past 6 years holding the chair position for 2 years,” Hurt said.
