Nine Mitchell Technical College students recently represented South Dakota at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The annual event brings together more than 6,800 of the nation’s top career and technical education students to compete in hands-on technical, skilled, and leadership competitions while networking with industry professionals and employers from across the country.
Mitchell Tech students earned the opportunity to compete at the national level after winning their respective state competitions and demonstrating exceptional technical skills, professionalism, and dedication to their trades.
Representing Mitchell Tech at the national competition were Blaine Simantel, who brought home a silver medal with a second-place finish in Marine Service Technology; Trevor Boesel, who captured a bronze medal with a third-place finish in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR); Sully Shippy and Brenden Wantoch, who earned a bronze medal and third-place finish in team Mechatronics; Caden Waltner, Nathan Hoekman, and River Niewenhuis, who teamed up to earn 10th place in team Welding Fabrication; Josiah Wollman, who placed 18th in Welding Sculpture; and Jaxon Ladner, who represented Mitchell Tech in Electrical Construction Wiring, competing among the nation’s top students in his field.
The Welding Fabrication competition challenged teams to interpret blueprints, fabricate projects to exact specifications, and demonstrate teamwork under strict industry standards. Mechatronics competitors combined mechanical, electrical, and automated systems knowledge to troubleshoot and solve complex manufacturing scenarios. Other competitions tested students’ skills in welding artistry, electrical installation, HVAC systems, and marine technology diagnostics and repair.
In addition to competing, students participated in leadership development activities, technical workshops, career fairs, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and employers from across the United States.
As part of a recognition opportunity, Trevor Boesel was selected to speak on an ESCO podcast during the conference. ESCO is a nationally recognized provider of HVAC industry certifications and online training programs. Boesel shared his experiences in technical education and discussed the skills and preparation that helped him succeed in the HVACR field, providing insight for students and professionals across the industry.
The students were accompanied by advisors Travis Peterson, Welding & Manufacturing Program Coordinator, and Rayne Guindon, Power Sports & Marine Technology Instructor.
“Qualifying for SkillsUSA Nationals is an accomplishment in itself,” said Guindon. “These students spent countless hours preparing for competition while balancing coursework and other responsibilities. They represented Mitchell Tech, their programs, and South Dakota exceptionally well.”
Peterson recognized that the experience provides students with opportunities that extend far beyond the competition floor.
“Students get to measure their skills against the best in the country, make industry connections, and gain confidence in their abilities,” Peterson said. “Whether they brought home medals or not, they return with valuable experiences that will benefit them throughout their careers.”
Mitchell Tech extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations whose generous support helped make the students’ national competition experience possible: Aberdeen Asthma & Allergy, Border States, Chandler Machine Shop, Crescent Electric, Dakota Supply Group, Frisbees Plumbing & Heating, Irby Utilities, Jake’s Electric, J.H. Larson Company, Muth Electric, Performance Pet Products, Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association, Rural Manufacturing, and Trail King Industries.
Their investment in workforce development and technical education provided students with the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage and gain experiences that will benefit them throughout their careers.
