Nashville State Students Take First Place in SkillsUSA Tennessee Robotics Competition

As you enter the Chattanooga Convention Center, there is a dizzying array of sights, sounds, and hardworking students. However, one thing becomes clear – something special is happening.

In late April, students from Nashville State faced off against others from around the state at the annual SkillsUSA Tennessee State Leadership and Skills Conference.

Fielding a team of four, Nashville State featured a team of two students competing in the Urban Search and Rescue Robotics competition and two students who served in event logistical support roles.

“The presence of technology and engineering programs is pivotal,” Peter Ortner, instructor in electrical engineering technology and the head of the Nashville State SkillsUSA program, said.

“These programs equip students with essential skills, preparing them to contribute to our state’s workforce.”

Jackson Yerbich and Brandon Carmona participated in the Search and Rescue Robotics competition.

They designed and built a small robot to find and remove an explosive device in an urban environment.

As a part of their challenge, they had to navigate the robot through a model of an urban environment -- find the mock explosive device -- then remove it to be destroyed. All while being timed.

Carmona and Yerbich finished in first place. Completing the task with a time of 5 minutes and 34 seconds.

“It’s truly inspiring to witness students embrace challenges with such enthusiasm, even when stepping into the unknown,” Ortner said.

The wide-ranging, three-day event featured competitions as varied as robotics and electronics, carpentry, and automotive servicing technology. It also featured competitions for skills in trades like barbering and cosmetology.

“Every student should participate. It’s very diverse with the competitions and what you can learn here,” Nakia Key, an electrical engineering technology student and SkillsUSA team member, said.

“It’s for everyone. You can branch out and see other career paths.”

Many industry leaders and employers attended, allowing students to meet and network for future jobs.

“As high-tech companies continue to establish themselves in our region, our commitment to fostering skilled workers becomes even more critical,” Ortner said.

While companies provide sponsorship and help judge events, they are also there to recruit their future workforce.

“Here’s my card; call me when you graduate,” that’s how Ortner recalls seeing many of the executives respond to the student participants.

“This is a great chance to meet and network with people.”

Once you make your way through the maze of events and past the ringing of hammers and saws – it quickly becomes evident that the event is an exercise in potential.

It is the potential a school and program have to teach and train, providing a foundation for student excellence. The likes of which Peter Ortner and Nashville State are putting into practice.

It is in the potential of students to put their hours of hard work and study to the test, showcasing the skills they gain through their education, such as Brandon and Jackson did.

And, it is here where SkillsUSA gives company leaders the ability to see the students of today and envision the leaders of tomorrow.

Whether it’s winning an event, landing a job, or putting hard earned skills on display; the SkillsUSA program and State Leadership Conference are here to show every student what they can build with the right education.