Next Pros Can't Miss Events
By Arkansas Next staff on Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Here are a few incredible opportunities to learn more about careers in the technical professions.
BE PRO BE PROUD MOBILE WORKSHOP TOUR STOPS
When: Various dates throughout 2019/2020
Where: Arkansas middle schools, high schools and colleges
What to expect: The Be Pro Be Proud tour bus travels Arkansas giving students an interactive experience of technical professions including welding, plumbing and drilling. The bus lets you use your hands and test your skills!
Find out more: See when the bus will stop near you at BeProBeProud.org/Tour
WELSCO WELDING EXPO
When: Dec. 5, 2019
Where: Simmons Arena, North Little Rock
What to expect: One of the largest welding shows in the country with more than 40 vendors showing off cool welding products and technology.
Find out more: Welsco.com/News/Arkansas-Welding-Expo
UNITED WELDING INSTITUTE WELDING COMPETITION
When: March 2020
Where: United Welding Institute, Pottsville
What to expect: A welding competition offering high schoolers the chance to win prizes and scholarships to the United Welding Institute.
Find out more: UnitedWeldingInstitute.com
2020 ARKANSAS ROCK CITY REGIONAL ROBOTICS COMPETITION
When: Spring 2020
Where: TBD
What to expect: This will be the second year for the state’s robotics competition. In March 2019, approximately 1,500 students competed in the 2019 Arkansas Rock City Regional Robotics Competition on March 6-9 at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock. The competition features strict rules, limited resources and time limits with teams from all over the state putting their skills to the test.
Find out more: AECC.com
SKILLSUSA ARKANSAS COMPETITION
When: April 2020
Where: Hot Springs Convention Center
What to expect: A chance for career and technical education students to compete for statewide recognition. Students who win at the state level go on to compete at the national SkillsUSA Competition.
Find out more: Welsco.com/News/Skills-USA
What is SkillsUSA?
Founded in 1965, SkillsUSA is a national organization serving more than 300,000 students annually in nearly 4,000 local chapters. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. The organization helps middle school, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
At the annual SkillsUSA Championships each June, thousands of students compete in 100 occupational and leadership skill areas. The competition is a huge event occupying a space equivalent to 20 football fields. The 2018 competition included more than 6,500 contestants in 103 separate events.
