IMAGINiT Technologies Supports SkillsUSA Ohio Championships

Rand Worldwide (OTCBB: RWWI), a global leader in providing technology solutions to organizations with engineering design and information technology requirements, today announced that its IMAGINiT Technologies division will help to design and judge the manufacturing competition for this year’s SkillsUSA Ohio Championships. The competition takes place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on April 14, 2015 and marks the 30^th anniversary of IMAGINiT’s participation.

 

“SkillsUSA Ohio values the long-lasting support that IMAGINiT Technologies’ experts have been bringing to the championship for three decades,” says Mike Cowles, SkillsUSA Ohio Director. “The involvement of their industry experts in the development of our manufacturing competition brings real world authenticity and rigorous industry assessment to the competition so every participant comes away with new learnings.”

 

Recent research from Accenture shows 80 percent of Ohio manufacturers are experiencing a moderate to severe shortage of highly skilled manufacturing workers. In this climate, SkillsUSA – a partnership between students, teachers and industry – plays an important role in ensuring the future of America’s skilled workforce.  SkillsUSA offers school based programs that aid students enrolled in technical education programs with professional and career development. Their local, state and national competitions also allow students to develop occupational and leadership skills in addition to meeting potential employers. This year’s SkillsUSA Ohio Championship involves a total of 80 contests and a career expo. Attendance at this year’s event is expected to include over 3,000 students, teachers, parents and industry representatives.

 

At this year’s manufacturing competition, participants will use 3D modeling software, such as Autodesk Inventor, to solve real world manufacturing problems. Based on specific criteria established by IMAGINiT engineers, students will complete a written test on drafting standards and a practical test which produces a set of drawings. The resulting drawings will be judged against a master drawing set by a panel of judges including IMAGINiT engineers.

 

“We take pride in providing our clients with the best solutions, but we’re also proud of the efforts our team makes in giving back to the local communities and nothing says this more than our 30 year relationship with SkillsUSA Ohio,” says Carl Smith, manufacturing solutions manager, IMAGINiT Technologies. “This prominent competition offers a chance to connect with students and show them in a hands-on, memorable way, how they as the next generation of manufacturing design experts can use their skills to deliver true business value.”