U.S. Student to Compete in International WorldSkills Competition in Print Media Technology
LEESBURG, VA—Dec. 3, 2012—Heather Ashe of Chester, SC, and a student at Clemson University, will represent the United States in the Print Media Technology competition during the biennial WorldSkills Competition to be held in Leipzig, Germany. Ashe will compete as a member of the United States “WorldTeam.” The 42nd international event will run from July 2-7, 2013.
Ashe won the right to compete by winning the high school bronze medal in the Graphic Communications competition during the SkillsUSA Championships in June 2010, and the SkillsUSA Championships college/postsecondary silver medal in June 2012. She has also successfully completed other qualifying prerequisites prior to being chosen for the team.
In addition to being an active member of SkillsUSA throughout her high school and college career, Ashe was also a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She is currently active in Clemson University’s chapter of Gamma Epsilon Tau Honor Society for graphic communications, as well as Phi Eta Sigma and Golden Key Honor Societies. She has also earned three awards from the Printing Industries Association of the Carolinas.
“I was thrilled to be selected for the WorldSkills team. I am glad to have made my instructor and my parents proud, and wish to also make my country proud,” Ashe said. “I have been passionate about graphics since I was a sophomore in high school, and I am super excited to be able to take that passion to the world level.”
Ashe took Graphic Communications classes at Chester County Career Center, under instructor and SkillsUSA advisor Sherry Adams. Both are excited about Ashe’s participation with the WorldTeam. “Ms. Adams almost cried when I showed her my medal at nationals,” reported the champ. “We never expected that something this big would happen after that.”
When asked about Ashe’s abilities to compete internationally, Sherry Adams said, “Heather blends a well-organized, task-oriented style with sensitivity to the needs of our clientele. She has learned to manage her time, work in group situations under strict deadlines, and to recognize the importance of a strong work ethic, persistence and intellectual integrity. I have absolute confidence she will do well in any endeavor she chooses to pursue.”
Ashe is continuing her education in graphic communications at Clemson University, where she is completing her undergraduate coursework and WorldSkills training under Dr. Samuel Ingram, chair of the Department of Graphic Communications.
“I want to say a special ‘thank you’ to the Printing Industries of America, for awarding me the Print Graphic Scholarship Foundation award and book stipend for the PIA website, and to Heidelberg USA, for their scholarship award, making it possible for me to continue my education in a field that I am passionate about,” Ashe added, “Also to the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation for their continued support of SkillsUSA Graphic Communications competitions.”
In the WorldSkills Print Media Technology contest, competitors must: produce a digitally specified number of different products on a digital press according to standards identified by experts in a specified time; finish the printed work by trimming, folding, and binding it with a paper cutter, folder, and simple binding machine to specified dimensions; control the quality throughout the production process and carrying out required quality measurements and reporting tasks; clean the equipment and the premises; and, print different jobs with a print simulation program within a specified time and/or cost.
Every two years, hundreds of young people from 53 member countries or regions compete in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition. Considered “the best of the best,” contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction and services. Accompanied by their teachers, trainers and industry technical committee experts, these young people compete before the public in contests that are run and judged by industry using demanding international standards.
In 2013, more than 1,000 competitors will test their skills in Leipzig, Germany. Five thousand international experts, delegates and judges will gather from around the world, and 3,000 volunteers will be recruited to assist in the event. A total of 150,000 student and public spectators will attend the competition at the Leipzig Trade Fair and Exhibition Center. For more information about the competition, go to www.worldskills.org.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA helps students discover and grow their career passions. As a nationwide partnership of students, instructors and industry working together, SkillsUSA works to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It helps every student excel. The nationwide career and technical education student organization annually serves more than 320,000 high school, college and postsecondary students—and their instructors—in technical, skilled, and service occupation instructional programs. Career and technical education is learning that works for America. SkillsUSA has the active support of more than 1,100 corporations, trade associations, business and labor unions at the national level. Over 10.5 million people have been annual members of SkillsUSA since its founding as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America in 1965. SkillsUSA programs teach leadership, citizenship and character development to complement technical skill training.
Source: SkillsUSA.