From Tennessee to the World Stage
WorldSkills
The journey from a local SkillsUSA chapter can lead all the way to the world's premier international competition for skilled professionals. WorldSkills brings together the best young talent from more than 80 countries and regions to demonstrate technical excellence, innovation, teamwork, and professionalism.
The Olympics of Skilled Trades
The Highest Level of Achievement in Career and Technical Education
WorldSkills is held every two years and represents the highest level of global skill competition. For Tennessee students, earning a place on WorldSkills Team USA is one of the greatest honors possible: an opportunity to represent both Tennessee and the United States while competing against the very best in the world.
The History of WorldSkills
From a Two-Nation Competition to a Global Movement
WorldSkills began in 1950 as a vocational skills competition between Spain and Portugal. Created after World War II, the competition was designed to inspire young people to pursue skilled careers while helping meet the demand for highly trained workers.
The movement expanded beyond Europe in 1970, when Tokyo hosted the first WorldSkills Competition outside the continent. Today, WorldSkills includes more than 80 member countries and regions and is the world's largest international skills competition.
Since 1973, SkillsUSA has served as the official United States member organization of WorldSkills International, selecting and preparing Team USA competitors for the global stage.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
September 22-27, 2026 | Shanghai, China
The 2026 WorldSkills Competition will bring together competitors from around the world to showcase excellence in skilled trades, technical education, workforce innovation, and professional performance.
Tennessee on the World Stage
Representing Tennessee. Competing for the United States.
SkillsUSA selected Evan Chow and James Sutherland of Knoxville, Tennessee, as the official United States competitors in the two-person Mechatronics competition for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
Chow and Sutherland attended Roane State Community College, became the 2025 Tennessee College/Postsecondary Mechatronics State Champions, and earned national bronze medals at the SkillsUSA Championships. Both are employed by DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville, Tennessee.
WorldSkills USA Competitor
Evan Chow
Roane State Community College
DENSO Manufacturing
Mechatronics
Evan brings experience in mechanical engineering, computer science, robotics, and automation to the WorldSkills stage.
WorldSkills USA Competitor
James Sutherland
Roane State Community College
DENSO Manufacturing
Mechatronics
James brings strengths in electrical and mechanical systems, technical problem-solving, and high-pressure competition preparation.
About Mechatronics
Integrated Systems, Precision, and Teamwork
Mechatronics combines mechanical systems, electrical and electronic systems, fluid power, automation, controls, robotics, troubleshooting, and teamwork.
Competitors must understand complex integrated systems, diagnose problems, make precise adjustments, and work efficiently under pressure.
How Students Reach WorldSkills
From the Classroom to Global Competition
The path to WorldSkills begins with technical education and local SkillsUSA participation, continues through state and national competition, and may ultimately lead to selection for WorldSkills Team USA.
Tennessee's WorldSkills Success
A Record of Technical Excellence
Tennessee continues to demonstrate excellence on the national and international skills stage. Roane State's Gabriel Eady earned the Best in Nation Award in Mechatronics, reflecting the strength of Tennessee's students, instructors, institutions, and industry partners.
Why WorldSkills Matters
Raising the Standard for Skilled Careers
Global Competition
WorldSkills brings together competitors from across the globe to demonstrate excellence in skilled trades and technical fields.
Industry Driven
Competition standards are shaped by industry experts and reflect world-class workforce expectations.
Workforce Excellence
WorldSkills elevates skilled professions and highlights the importance of career and technical education worldwide.
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