STILLWATER, OK – The 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) will soon take place in Atlanta June 1-5. North America’s highest achieving skilled career and technical education students will participate in the premier showcase SkillsUSA Competition. Students are currently competing at the regional and state levels to earn a coveted spot to compete at NLSC.
Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, OK recently hosted the 2026 SkillsUSA – Mobile Electronics Installation state contest. The contest was attended by twenty-one students who are enrolled in automotive technology programs in high school and vocational schools all over Oklahoma. Students competed in various contests which included soldering, Ohm’s law applications, amplifier tuning, and customer service. Only two competitors will advance to the national contest: the top performing high school student and top performing post-secondary student.
Kicker has been a major sponsor for SkillsUSA for over four years and contributes funds, equipment, course development, and volunteers. Aaron Malin, Kicker Tech Force Global Training Manager, said, “We are constantly being reminded by our retail partners that skilled technicians are in high demand and hard to find. SkillsUSA is a great organization that provides leadership, resources, and context to engage young people.”
Mobile electronics professionals from manufacturers, rep firms, and retailers will be on hand to serve as judges and mentors for the national contest in Atlanta. “We are still in need of funds for this year’s event. [Approximately $9000]” said Chris Jack, Technical Chair for SkillsUSA – Mobile Electronics Installation. “If you could please scan the QR code below [or https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-train-future-car-audio-installers] and send just $50.00 we can make it.”
Members of the industry are also encouraged to support SkillsUSA at the local and state levels. “GET INOLVED! Contact local trade and tech schools and see what you can do to be helpful. Donating money is good, but working with excitement is the magic”, said Malin.
For more information about SkillsUSA – Mobile Electronics Installation you can contact Chris Jack at 310-866-2454, or Bryan Gary at 806-922-1822.
