Four Northern students on to SkillsUSA national conference

by Montana State University-Northern SkillsUSA President Riley Mortenson

April 7, four Montana State University-Northern students traveled to Helena College to compete in the 51st State SkillsUSA Leadership Conference.

That afternoon they had their respective orientation meetings followed by Opening Ceremonies at East Helena High School. April 8, Nicole Burnside and Hunter Velk competed in the diesel technology competition and Riley Mortenson competed in job interview.

April 1, Jordan Ketchum competed at Montana State University Billings City College in welding technology.

Saturday, April 9, during closing ceremonies and awards, Burnside was awarded first place in diesel technology and Velk placed second in that category.

Riley Mortenson placed first in job interview.

All four members will be attending the National SkillsUSA Conference taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center in June. 

It was the first time the event was held in Helena. Northern hosted SkillsUSA for 45 years and it was originally known as VICA, the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America.