Rivard won the right to compete by earning the high-school gold medal in the Technical Drafting competition at the SkillsUSA Championships in June 2013. He has also successfully completed other qualifying prerequisites prior to being chosen for the team.
“In the WorldSkills competition, I will have the opportunity to be a representative of the United States and demonstrate the skills America taught me. As the first American to compete in this competition, I will have the distinction of being able to provide insights and advice to future competitors,” said Rivard. “Because of the assistance of my technical expert, staff at that Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational High School, SkillsUSA and Autodesk, I believe I will be given all of the necessary resources and information for success.”
When asked about Rivard’s abilities, Michael Faticanti, Rivard’s drafting and design technology instructor at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical High School from 2010 to 2014 said, “From the first time I met Jake, in his freshman exploratory class, to his graduation, he was always detail-oriented. Jake understood quality over quantity and always strived to give the best and most detailed technical drawings possible. His attention to detail made him an ideal candidate for SkillsUSA membership and competitions, and he did not disappoint, taking home both state and national gold medals He will definitely have a very successful career in this field. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of representing the United States in the WorldSkills competition.”
In the WorldSkills Mechanical Engineering Design-CAD contest, competitors will be judged on their ability to create 3-D modelling of part, 3-D modeling of assemblies, photo rendered images and simulations. They must also be able to perform reverse engineering of a physical model and create technical drawings and dimensioning. The required skills for this career include communication, numeracy, critical thinking, mathematics, computer science, analytical skills, creativity, reading and interpretation of technical drawings.
Every two years, hundreds of young people from 73 countries and regions compete in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition. Member countries include: Israel, Japan, England, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Argentina and many others. To see a list of member countries and regions, go to: https://www.worldskills.org/about/members.
In 2015, more than 1,200 competitors will test their skills in São Paulo. Considered “the best of the best,” contestants compete for four days in 50 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communication technology, construction and building technology, transportation and logistics, creative arts and fashion, and social and personal 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.
Over its 65-year history, WorldSkills International (formerly known as the International Vocational Training Competition) has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in vocational training. It provides a unique means of exchange and comparison of world-class competency standards in the industrial trades and service sectors of the global economy. The continued growth of WorldSkills International attests to the fact that traditional trade and craft skills, along with newer technology’s multi-skilled occupations, make an essential contribution to the economic and social well-being of people everywhere.
Rivard is a member of SkillsUSA, the organization that represents the United States in the WorldSkills Competition. There are 19 members on the SkillsUSA WorldTeam. Other occupational areas in which the United States plans to compete include Automobile Technology, Bakery, Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Cabinetmaking, Graphic Design Technology, Hairdressing, Heavy Vehicle Maintenance, Manufacturing Team Challenge (a three-person team contest), Mechatronics (a two-person team contest), Plumbing and Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Restaurant Service, Web Design and Welding.
Five thousand international experts, delegates and judges will gather from around the world, and 3,000 volunteers will be recruited to assist in the competition. A total of 150,000 student and public spectators will attend the competition at the Anhembi Park Centre. For more information about the competition, go to: www.WorldSkills.org or www.worldskillssaopaulo2015.com/en/.
Alcoa Foundation is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2015 SkillsUSA WorldTeam. Other organizations that have made a financial or in-kind commitments to preparing and presenting the WorldTeam include the American Welding Society; Architectural Woodwork Institute; Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers; Autodesk Education; Automotive Service Technology contest national technical committee; Carhartt Inc.; Construction and Home Improvement Markets; Deere & Company; Diesel Equipment Technology contest national technical committee; FESTO Corporation; International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Unlike other national teams in the WorldSkills Competition, the SkillsUSA WorldTeam is funded solely through private donations. To donate funding or in-kind support, go to: www.skillsusa.org/competitions/worldskills/.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA helps students follow their passions to their ultimate careers. 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 in his or her chosen career. 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 500 corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions at the national level. Over 11.9 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. The organization emphasizes respect for the dignity of work, ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety. For more information, go to: www.SkillsUSA.org.
