SkillsUSA, the organization that represents the United States in the WorldSkills Competition, recently hosted 16 student members of the SkillsUSA WorldTeam in Washington, D.C.

The students met with government officials from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor and the Canadian Embassy and toured the nation’s capital as they prepared to depart for the 40th international event, which takes place Sept. 1 through 7, in Calgary, Canada.

“These extraordinary students have worked and trained vigorously to represent the United States at the WorldSkills Competition, and we want them to know how proud we are to have them as members of the WorldTeam,” says Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA. “SkillsUSA is fortunate to have the support of Lowe's Companies Inc. through a grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation to be the U.S. team’s anchor sponsor. We also enjoy the support of 31 other businesses and organizations that provide financial and in-kind contributions to make this competition a reality for SkillsUSA students."

Every two years, hundreds of young people from 51 member countries compete in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition. Member countries include Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil and many other global economic competitors to the U.S.

Considered “the best of the best” of the world’s future skilled workforce, these contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction and services. Accompanied by their teachers, trainers and industry technical experts, these young people compete before the public in contests that are run by and judged by industry using demanding international standards.

For more information, visit www.worldskills.org or www.skillsusa.org.