Industry Insider: From Kitchen to Career
Presented by the 2025-26 National Officer Team
Industry Insider: From Kitchen to Career will give students the opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals about the wide range of opportunities within the culinary and hospitality field beyond the traditional kitchen role. Through a moderated discussion with SkillsUSA, students will explore the many career pathways, education options, and real-world experiences that shape this dynamic industry.
During this 45-minute session, students will:
Explore career opportunities in culinary and hospitality beyond working in a kitchen
Learn about different educational pathways, including college, culinary school, and alternative routes
Hear directly from industry experts about their career journeys
Ask questions about breaking into and growing within the industry
Gain insight into the skills needed for success in culinary and hospitality careers
Students will also learn about resources and opportunities available to help them explore career pathways, build skills, and prepare for success in the culinary and hospitality industry beyond the session.
Event Details:
The Coffee Shops Partners with SkillsUSA
We're excited to announce a new partnership between The Coffee Shops™ and SkillsUSA! Through this exchange agreement, The Coffee Shops — the online hub known as "Where the Industries Meet."
This collaboration connects SkillsUSA with the thousands of contractors, manufacturers, and distributors who visit The Coffee Shops daily — helping grow membership, branding, and exposure for the association.
DANB Credential Opportunity Dental Assisting Competitors
Through a partnership with Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), SkillsUSA dental assisting competitors have an opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials at no cost.
Eligible competitors can apply to take the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) exams, with DANB covering exam fees and providing travel reimbursement to a local test center for approved participants. These exams are widely recognized, and in many states required, and are key components of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification pathway.
This opportunity allows students to:
Earn nationally recognized credentials
Build progress toward CDA certification
Strengthen employability and career readiness
Gain confidence through validated technical knowledge
Key Details:
Competitor Claim Form available: June 2, 2026 (distributed at orientation)
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Approved participants must complete exams by Dec. 31, 2026
Encourage eligible dental assisting competitors to take advantage of this partner-supported opportunity to advance their credentials and career pathway.
Upcoming Professional Development Sessions – May 2026
Kick off May with two great opportunities to strengthen your SkillsUSA program!
SkillsUSA Pathful: Focus on Work-Based Learning for Next School Year
Wednesday, May 6 | 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. ET (60 min)
Get a quick-start introduction to SkillsUSA Pathful, your all-in-one platform for career exploration and workforce readiness. Learn how to navigate the platform, tap into live and on-demand career resources, connect with industry professionals, and weave career exploration into your curriculum. Plus, we'll take a closer look at the Work-Based Learning tool — including tips for implementing it now and planning for expanded use in the 2026–27 school year. Register here.
Integrating the SkillsUSA Framework
Thursday, May 7 | 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. ET (90 min)
Ready to bring the SkillsUSA Framework to life? This session gives educators practical strategies and a clear, four-step approach to intentional implementation in the classroom and chapter. You'll also explore how the Chapter Excellence Program (CEP) supports Framework integration and chapter growth. Register here for the 4 p.m. session. Register here for the 7 p.m. session. Don't miss out — register today!
REMINDER: SkillsUSA Championships | NLSC Competition Webinar List
Not all competitions will host a webinar. Advisors and competitors should check the Competition-Specific Updates page to confirm whether their competition is offering one and to access the latest information.
Please have students and advisors mark their calendars for any sessions that apply to their competition. These webinars provide key expectations, updates, and guidance directly from the National Technical Committees.
Webinar titles will clearly identify any sessions that serve as a mandatory orientation. Competitors must either attend live or watch the full recording before arriving at NLSC.
Recordings will be posted on the Competition Updates page within approximately 48 hours of the live session.
To view the full webinar list and access links, click here. Sessions are listed in date and time order.
New this year: A link to the SkillsUSA Pathful webinar tool has been included. Competitors can log into their SkillsUSA Pathful account to view technical standards and use the webinar series to register for sessions that apply to them. Once registered, they will receive an email notification when the recording becomes available.
Navigation path: Work-Based Learning > Join an Upcoming Session > Series > Preparation for SkillsUSA Championships Series
Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials at NLSC
Students attending NLSC have the opportunity to earn valuable industry-recognized credentials that enhance résumés and demonstrate technical proficiency.
Credentialing opportunities are available through leading industry partners, including:
These credentials provide students with nationally recognized validation of their technical skills and knowledge across high-demand career pathways.
Advisors are encouraged to review the available credentials and share this opportunity with eligible students. Visit the NLSC website for complete details, eligibility requirements, and registration information.
More than a Meal
This past holiday season, the SkillsUSA chapter at Pitt Community College (PCC) in Winterville, N.C. launched a Holiday Giveback Service Project to support our local Ronald McDonald House. From November through December, chapter members collected items from both the House Wish List and Santa’s Room Wish List, filling boxes with donations to brighten the holidays for families staying near Maynard Children’s Hospital in Greenville. Read the full story.
Share Your Community Service Stories with SkillsUSA!
The SkillsUSA Champions digital hub provides new content frequently, from inspiring features to stories about the great work chapters and partners are doing. We know your chapters are doing some amazing community service work this holiday season and we would love to write about it. To submit a story idea, send us the details through our “Submit a Story” link, and we’ll contact you.
