The SkillsUSA Championships, held during the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), will return to Atlanta, Georgia, from June 22–26, 2026. The event is the largest multi‑trade and technology competition in the United States, drawing more than 6,000 secondary and post‑secondary competitors from all 50 states and US territories. The Championships span more than 100 skilled disciplines, covering construction, manufacturing, transportation, information technology, communications, and service‑sector trades.
The event is the brainchild of SkillsUSA, a national, non‑profit organization headquartered in Leesburg, Virginia, US, and founded in 1965.
The organization supports more than 400,000 students and instructors annually through career and technical education programs, competitions, and leadership development.
Visitors to the SkillsUSA Championships can explore hundreds of competition stations, employer exhibits, and hands‑on demonstrations. The event caters to a wide range of technical professions, including welding, CNC machining, industrial motor control, cybersecurity, web design, collision repair, aviation maintenance, and medical technologies.
Within the transportation sector, the show features Automotive Service Technology, Maintenance & Light Repair, Collision Repair Technology, Truck & Bus Technician, and the heavy‑duty‑focused Diesel Equipment Technology competition.
Heavy‑duty Mechanics on the US Stage
The Diesel Equipment Technology contest evaluates a technician’s ability to perform entry‑level tasks required in diesel repair and maintenance, including electrical systems, hydraulics, powertrains, brakes, and preventive maintenance.
Competitors rotate through multiple stations that simulate real‑world shop conditions, where they may diagnose electronic faults, perform hydraulic pressure tests, interpret service information, conduct engine performance checks, or complete DOT (US Department of Transportation)‑style inspections.
Judges score competitors on accuracy, safety, tool use, documentation, and adherence to OEM procedures. Safety is emphasized throughout the competition, with strict PPE requirements and continuous evaluation of safe work habits.
The United States continues to face a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople, particularly in heavy‑duty repair, diesel technology, and transportation maintenance.
The SkillsUSA Championships serve as a national platform to highlight the technical depth required in these fields while connecting students with employers, training institutions, and industry partners. The event also reinforces foundational workplace skills, including communication, problem-solving, digital literacy, and teamwork.
For more information on the event, visit www.skillsusa.org.