SkillsUSA-VICA Facts

What:
SkillsUSA-VICA is a national organization serving more than 240,000 high school and college students and professional members who are enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations.

Where:
SkillsUSA-VICA has almost a quarter million student members annually, organized into more than 13,000 chapters and 53 state and territorial associations (including Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands).

Its Purpose:
SkillsUSA-VICA prepares America's high performance workers. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work, high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education and pride in the dignity of work. SkillsUSA-VICA also promotes understanding of the free enterprise system and involvement in community service activities.

Partnerships With Business/Education/Students:
Approximately 15,000 teachers and school administrators serve as professional SkillsUSA-VICA members and instructors. More than 1,000 corporations, trade associations and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA-VICA on a national level through financial aid, in-kind contributions, and involvement of their people in SkillsUSA-VICA activities. Many more work directly with state associations and local chapters.

SkillsUSA-VICA Programs:
SkillsUSA-VICA programs include local, state and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills. During the annual national-level SkillsUSA Championships, more than 3,800 students compete in 68 occupational and leadership skill areas. SkillsUSA-VICA programs also help to establish industry standards for job skill training in the classroom.

The SkillsUSA-VICA Total Quality Curriculum enhances SkillsUSA-VICA's Quality at Work movement by preparing students for the world of work starting in the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes the competencies and essential workplace basic skills identified by employers and the U.S. Secretary of Labor's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS).

The Professional Development Program is a self-paced curriculum for secondary and college students. It teaches skills such as effective communication and management, teamwork, networking, workplace ethics, job interviewing and more. The curriculum involves local industry and academics and can be used in day-trades, apprenticeship training, cooperative education, school-to-work, academic and special needs programs.

 

Symbolism of the SkillsUSA-VICA emblem

·        The shield represents patriotism

The shield denotes our belief in democracy, liberty and the American way of life.

·        The gear represents the industrial society

The gear, symbolic of the industrial society, denotes the interdependence and cooperation of the individual working with labor and management for the betterment of mankind.

·        The torch represents knowledge

The flaming torch reflects the light of knowledge, which dispels the darkness of ignorance. In the light of the torch, progress will be made toward the vocational goals of the individual.

·        The orbital circles represent technology

The circles present the challenge of modern technology and the training needed to accept and master the challenge of new technical frontiers and the need for continuous education.

·        The hands represent the individual

The hands portray a search for knowledge and our desire to acquire a skill. In the process of attaining knowledge and skill, we will develop a respect for the dignity of work and become productive and responsible citizens.

Colors

The colors red, white, blue and gold represent the national SkillsUSA-VICA organization.

·        Red and white represent the individual states and chapters.

·        Blue represents the common union of the states and of the chapters.

Gold represents the individual, the most important element of the organization.

Skills USA-VICA Theme for 2001

"SkillsUSA-VICA: Your Passport to Success."

The SkillsUSA-VICA Motto:

"Preparing for leadership in the world of work."

The SkillsUSA-VICA Pledge

Upon my honor, I pledge:

·        To prepare myself by diligent study and ardent practice to become a worker whose services will be recognized as honorable by my employer and fellow workers.

·        To base my expectations of reward upon the solid foundation of service.

·        To honor and respect my vocation in such a way as to bring repute to myself.

·        And further, to spare no effort in upholding the ideals of SkillsUSA-VICA

Meaning of the pledge

Upon my honor, I pledge: This is a very strong statement. It means you are committed to follow through on your promise.

To prepare myself: Preparation requires self-control. It means effort without immediate reward but with the knowledge that the effort will pay off when the preparation is completed.

By diligent study: Diligence implies something far beyond a quick review of assignments. Diligence means perseverance, concentration and not always taking the easy route.

And ardent practice: A person of character makes every effort in spite of setbacks or personal loss.

To become a worker: SkillsUSA-VICA members take pride in making things happen, in being good workers and in their employers.

Whose services: Doing things for others is the basis of many occupations. SkillsUSA-VICA members strive to be active in their schools and communities.

Will be recognized as honorable: The result of preparation, study, practice, work and service is the respect and honor given SkillsUSA-VICA members.

To base my expectations of reward upon the solid foundation of service: This statement reinforces the attitude that we must first serve in order to gain. This attitude is important to success.

To respect my vocation: SkillsUSA-VICA members recognize the need to find their vocation and strive to understand its traditions, skills, leaders and potential.

To bring repute to myself: SkillsUSA-VICA members strive to have a good reputation among their peers, fellow workers, teachers, parents and employers.

To spare no effort in upholding these ideals: This means service to the community, school and SkillsUSA-VICA chapter - getting things done and becoming a leader, all with the ideals of SkillsUSA-VICA in mind.

The SkillsUSA-VICA Creed

·        I believe in the dignity of work

I hold that society has advanced to its present culture through the use of the worker's hands and mind. I will maintain a feeling of humbleness for the knowledge and skills that I receive from professionals, and I will conduct myself with dignity in the work I do.

·        I believe in the American way of life

I know our culture is the result of freedom of action and opportunities won by the founders of our American republic, and I will uphold their ideals.

·        I believe in education

I will endeavor to make the best use of knowledge, skills and experience that I will learn in order that I may be a better worker in my chosen occupation and a better citizen in my community. To this end, I will continue my learning now and in the future.

·        I believe in fair play

I will, through honesty and fair play, respect the rights of others. I will always conduct myself in the manner of the best professionals in my occupation and treat those with whom I work as I would like to be treated.

·        I believe satisfaction is achieved by good work

I feel that compensation and personal satisfaction received for my work and services will be in proportion to my creative and productive ability.

·        I believe in high moral and spiritual standards

I will endeavor to conduct myself in such a manner as to set an example for others by living a wholesome life and by fulfilling my responsibilities as a citizen of my community.

The Official attire for SkillsUSA-VICA

Offical attire for women

§         Red SkillsUSA-VICA blazer, windbreaker or sweater

§         White collarless or small-collared blouse or white turtleneck, collar not to extend over the blazer lapel or the sweater or windbreaker

§         Black dress skirt (knee-length) or black dress slacks

§         Black sheer (not opaque) or skin-tone seamless hose

§         Black Shoes

Offical attire for men

§         Red SkillsUSA-VICA blaze, windbreaker or sweater

§         White dress shirt

§         Plain, solid black tie

§         Black dress slacks

§         Plain black socks

§         Black dress shoes

Student Bill of Rights

We, as SkillsUSA-VICA members, vocational-technical education students, American workers and citizens, believe that all students have the following rights:

I. To be respected for our occupational and educational choices.
We should be recognized in our schools and communities as pursuing worthwhile studies. We are preparing for occupations which contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation.

II. To meet occupational standards set by employers and to be proficient in the workplace basics.
Our training programs should prepare us for specific occupational skills which meet or exceed the standards set for entry-level employment. Furthermore, we should practice our teamwork, problem-solving and communications skills as part of our vocational program. We will be productive from the first day of employment.

III. To receive a world-class academic education.
We should receive a quality education before and during our vocational training. We should have a thorough understanding of academic subjects. Academic excellence is essential for our career success and for life-long learning.

IV. To earn credentials and degrees which qualify us for further education and work.
All students should graduate from high school with a diploma entitling them to pursue further education. Furthermore, we should be prepared for certification in our chosen occupations at the conclusion of our training programs.

V. To receive career guidance that fits our interests and aptitudes.
We have the right to select our best career and education paths. So that we can make the best and most informed decisions, we should receive complete and unbiased information through education and career guidance.

VI. To work in the occupations for which we have trained.
Our vocational programs should prepare us for occupations where there are employment opportunities. Schools have a responsibility and vested interest in successfully placing graduates in jobs related to their fields of study.

VII. To study in safe and stimulating schools.
Schools and their training programs should be up-to-date in equipment and facilities. Also, high standards of education, training and personal conduct must be expected of students and educators alike.

VIII. To serve our communities.
As citizens, we have a right and responsibility to serve our communities. As a part of our training, we should practice our personal and occupational skills in the interest of fellow citizens. We will also practice our roles in the democratic process, learn the responsibilities of citizenship, and practice ethical behavior in our personal and professional lives.

IX. To learn from competent instructors committed to the success of their students.
Instructors are our most vital links between our studies and our futures. Our instruction must be up-to-date in both method and content. Academic and vocational-technical educators should challenge and effectively teach their students. Furthermore, schools should ensure that our instructors stay current in the interest of students.

X. To meet face-to-face with business, industry, and organized labor.
Students have the right to work with and learn from local industry representatives, employers, and other service providers. This partnership ensures students can judge that the education and training they receive is up-to-date, meets the standards of the business community, and is preparing them fully for their chosen careers.

Voted on and approved by SkillsUSA-VICA student Houses of Delegates, June 1992.