Illinois Students Win Big at 2025 SkillsUSA Nationals

Illinois students demonstrated their excellence in skilled trades and career education at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), taking home an impressive 38 medals from the event held from June 23 to 27 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Representing 26 schools, more than 200 students from across Illinois competed at the nation’s premier career and technical education showcase. They joined over 6,600 students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and three U.S. territories inside the vast 1.79-million-square-foot Georgia World Congress Center — a venue large enough to cover 31 football fields.

Illinois competitors secured 11 gold, 15 silver, and 12 bronze medals across a diverse array of disciplines, including automotive technology, early childhood education, information technology, engineering, and more.

“This was one of our strongest national showings ever,” said SkillsUSA Illinois Executive Director Eric Hill. “These students didn’t just show up – they represented our state with professionalism, talent, and pride. We’re especially grateful to state lawmakers whose support helps us get students to Nationals and prepare them for long-term success.”

Among the winners were students from Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville:

Paul Woods, AJ Gniotczynski, Andrew Blackwood – Automated Manufacturing Technology – Silver

Jared Simmons – CNC Programmer – Silver

SkillsUSA continues to provide vital career-readiness opportunities to thousands of students nationwide, and Illinois’s performance this year solidifies its place as a leader in the field.