SkillsUSA Brings Thousand of Students to Atlanta for Massive Career and Workforce Conference

By Mary Welch

Last Updated May 28, 2026

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At a Glance:

• Nearly 20,000 students will gather in Atlanta June 1-5 for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
• The event takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center and will return to Atlanta through at least 2034.
• More than 6,800 students will compete in 115 hands-on workforce and technical skills competitions.
• SkillsUSA supports career training in more than 130 industries, from welding to 3-D animation.
• Atlantans can attend for the first time with one-day passes available June 2-4.
• The conference also features TECHSPO, a technical education expo with more than 200 industry partners.
• IndyCar champion Josef Newgarden will headline the opening session at State Farm Arena.

In 2025, 3.9 million students graduated from high school in the U.S., according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. And, 2.167 million students received a bachelor’s degree (according to the Education Data Initiative).

What that means is that there are millions of students taking the next step in their lives — going into college, deciding on a career, learning a skill, getting a job and, as they would say, “adulting.” Let’s face it, how many of us knew exactly what we wanted to be when we grew up — and how to get it? Probably not many.

Students in Atlanta, as well as 19,900 students from across the country, can get much-needed direction and inspiration at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center June 1-5. The membership-based organization will call Atlanta home through at least 2034, working with students and companies to address workforce development challenges. 

SkillsUSA is the primary workforce development organization for students from middle school through postsecondary education, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and technical education students. Since its founding in 1965, more than 15 million students have been exposed to more than 130 in-demand occupational areas — everything from 3-D animation to welding.

“If you can think of a job, it’ll be represented at the conference. There is a huge gap of talent that’s retiring and needs to be filled by the next generation, and for the last 60 years, we’ve been here to prepare our future workforce, support teachers in the classrooms and build upon those skills,” said Courtney Ferrell, SkillsUSA conference and event manager. “Research shows that the No. 1 reason why people lose a job opportunity is not having the soft skills. We not only focus on technical skills but also on how to show up properly, have their resume ready to go, essentially, be career ready.”

Open to the Public

Atlantans will be able to witness this important career-defining conference June 2, 3 and 4 thanks to one-day passes, the first time they are being offered to the local community. “It’s one of the greatest events for young folks not sure of what they want to do because they’ll see so many jobs, meet business leaders and see it all in action,” Ferrell said. “We’re thrilled that people living in Atlanta can join us.”

The cost of one-day passes is $45 for ages 11 and older and includes access to the SkillsUSA Championships and SkillsUSA TECHSPO (general sessions at State Farm Arena are not included). For $195, guests can buy a full conference pass, which includes two general sessions and access to the Skills USA Championship, SkillsUSA TECHSPO, SkillsUSA Academy of Excellence, SkillsUSA University and Champions Festival.

While Atlantans can purchase day passes to the conference, out-of-town attendees will experience curated, industry-specific, immersive experiences throughout metro Atlanta, perhaps at construction sites, Wallace Graphics and Komatsu.

Why Atlanta?

The conference was previously held in Louisville, Ken., but in 2015, the organization began considering other cities. “We started with 28 cities and whittled it down to a smaller group,” Ferrell said. “Atlanta was the best option, and we’re delighted to be coming back for years because it’s a great home for us. We’re building great relationships with businesses, civic organizations and the broader hospitality community.”

More Than an Event

The conference is more than an event — it’s an inspiring movement. The conference will be jammed packed with activities such as the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,800 students, each a state champion, compete for medals in 115 hands-on workforce development activities — everything from construction to cosmetology. 

In addition, from June 2 through 4, SkillsUSA TECHSPO, one of the nation’s largest technical education expositions, will host more than 200 industry partners from businesses and educational institutions, who can connect with students, discuss possible collaborations and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals. Attendees can also participate in professional development workshops, general sessions and three community service projects benefiting Atlanta.

On June 2, the opening session will take place in State Farm Arena, with keynote speaker Josef Newgarden, presented by Snap-on Inc. Newgarden is the winningest active American driver in the IndyCar Series, and he will share his inspiring journey, lessons about teamwork and its role in success.

“We are delighted to be in Atlanta this year and for many years to come,” Ferrell said. “With so many students and partners coming, when you look at our students and the skills they’ll learn, our future is bright.”

Check out more events going on in Atlanta.

Mary Welch is an award-winning writer who has reported on the maturity off Atlanta’s culinary and hospitality scene as well as its growth as a sophisticated international city. Her byline has been seen in local and national outlets such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Travelgirl, Global Atlanta, and American Lawyer covering topics such as travel, business, cars, law, hospitality and education. She co-authored a book with Chuck Leavell, the keyboardist for the Rolling Stones and a Georgia tree farmer, on the future of the American forest.

Originally Published May 25, 2026