From Ohio to Atlanta: How SkillsUSA Is Cultivating the Next Generation of Technicians
This year’s Ohio SkillsUSA Championships brought together more than 4,000 registered students from across the state, representing one of the largest state-level SkillsUSA events in the country. Behind the scenes, Penske plays a critical role in shaping that experience and helping move top-performing students from Ohio and other states to the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta each June.
A Personal Journey Rooted in Workforce Development
For Andy Boff, Penske’s director of maintenance initiatives, involvement with SkillsUSA is highly personal. Having started his career at Penske in an entry-level role in 2009, Boff worked his way up with the support of peers and leaders across the organization. More than a decade later, he’s looking to pay that experience forward. “I’ve had a lot of great mentors over my career,” said Boff. “Being part of SkillsUSA allows me to help others progress and advance their own careers, just like I was able to.”
His first exposure to SkillsUSA came five years ago at the Ohio state competition. What immediately stood out was not just the students’ technical skills, but their professionalism and forward-thinking mindset. “They know where they want to be in five, ten years,” Boff emphasized. “And they’re thinking about how to get there.”
Why Ohio Stands Out
With more than 40,000 SkillsUSA members statewide, Ohio consistently ranks among the top three states nationally for membership. Penske further strengthened its role in Ohio’s competitions by taking over the diesel equipment technology contest four years ago. The goal has been to replicate the challenges and expectations students experience at the national level.
The competition includes 12 hands-on stations, each focused on real-world vehicle systems, diagnostics and failure analysis. Students are judged not only on technical accuracy, but also on safety, organization, use of personal protective equipment and professional conduct. “These are exactly the components and scenarios they’ll see in the field,” Boff explained. “We’re preparing them for day one on the job, not just for a medal.”
That approach has helped Ohio qualifiers arrive at nationals more confident and better prepared to compete under heightened expectations.
Linking Classrooms and Careers
At its core, SkillsUSA serves as a bridge connecting education, industry and long-term occupations, something that’s essential for organizations like Penske. “As we continue to grow, the number one thing we need is highly qualified technicians,” said Boff. “And SkillsUSA helps connect us directly with various programs across the country.”
In Ohio, that partnership extends well beyond competition. Penske team members regularly participate in leadership conferences, serve on discussion panels, volunteer at events and host state officers at Penske training centers. These interactions give students direct exposure to what employers expect, and what they can expect in return.
When engaging with students, Boff makes a point of asking not only about their career goals, but also what they hope for from future employers. That dialogue helps organizations better understand how to recruit, engage and retain the next generation of skilled employees.
From State to National Experience
For students advancing from Ohio to Atlanta, the national competition represents more than technical progression. “It’s a whole new experience,” Boff said, pointing to the chance for students to travel, explore a new city and meet peers from across the country. “It’s an incredible opportunity for a 17- or 18-year-old.”
At the national level, students are surrounded by others who share the same drive and discipline. That environment builds confidence, strengthens relationships and reinforces what it takes to succeed in the field and beyond.
Supporting the Skilled Trades Pipeline
Programs like SkillsUSA are more vital than ever, providing early access to certifications, real-world experience and core competencies that apply across industries. “Skilled trades are alive and well,” Boff affirmed. “They offer job security, strong career paths and long-term growth.”
That message resonates not only with students, but also with parents and educators, as more families recognize the financial and occupational advantages of early career and technical education.
Recognizing a Strong Partnership
Additionally, Penske’s commitment to SkillsUSA was formally recognized at this year’s Ohio State Championships, where the company was named one of SkillsUSA Ohio’s “Instrumental Partners of 2026.” The recognition reflects a partnership that began before the pandemic and remained strong throughout, with Penske continuing to provide critical equipment, transportation and on-site support. That sustained involvement underscores the company’s dedication not only to today’s competitions, but to the students and educators who are shaping the future of the skilled trades.
Looking Ahead to Atlanta
Penske will once again have a strong presence at the national championships next month in Atlanta and will continue investing in students and the future workforce. “This is just the beginning. The partnership continues to grow, and the impact continues to expand,” concluded Boff.
From state-level competitions to the national stage, SkillsUSA is proving that with the right support, mentorship and opportunity, students can build careers that last.
Pictured from left to right: Brian Rupe, recruiter; Jackie Walker – executive director, SkillsUSA Ohio; Andy Boff, director of maintenance initiatives; Angela Scannell, technical schools and partnership programs manager; Derrick Fraley, recruiting manager and Taylor Turley, technician hiring specialist
By "Move Ahead" Staff