SkillsUSA Montana is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in skilled trades, technical fields and leadership through hands-on learning, real-world competition and strong partnerships with industry. From middle school through postsecondary education, our mission is to close Montana’s skills gap by connecting students to meaningful career pathways while reinforcing the value and dignity of work in high-demand industries such as automotive service, construction, welding and advanced manufacturing.
Over the past year, SkillsUSA Montana has experienced remarkable growth and momentum. Our middle school and college membership increased by an impressive 133%, and college engagement at our State Leadership and Skills Conference tripled compared to the previous year. These gains demonstrate that the SkillsUSA Montana brand is becoming more recognizable and trusted, as students and educators alike see the impact of our programming and its role in strengthening Montana’s workforce pipeline.
One of our standout successes was the Automotive Service Technology contest, which featured 26 student competitors, including four postsecondary participants. Sterling Shelton, MSU Northern College student, earned gold and advanced to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, representing both Montana and the college division on a national stage. Sterling placed 2nd in the Nation. In total, Montana competitors brought home 11 national medals from just 55 total contestants — a powerful example of the quality, dedication and passion of our students and advisors who love the automotive industry and understand that working with your hands can be both rewarding and career-defining.
We are deeply grateful to the MTADA for its generous commitment of $4,000 per year for the next four years, a vital investment that allows us to expand programming, support student experiences, enhance contest materials and continue building awareness for automotive career pathways across Montana. This support fuels opportunities for students to access industry-standard training and develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
Together with MTADA and Montana’s dealer network, SkillsUSA Montana is building more than just competitors — we are building a future workforce that is proud, capable and ready to keep Montana moving forward.
Montana auto dealers play an essential role in this success. Through mentorship, sponsorships, equipment donations, judging support and offering work-based learning opportunities, dealers directly influence the next generation of skilled technicians. By engaging with SkillsUSA Montana, dealers help shape a pipeline of prepared, motivated and technically skilled professionals who are ready to enter the workforce and contribute to the long-term strength of the automotive industry.
We are always seeking dedicated volunteers and are currently accepting committee members for the Automotive Service Technology contest scheduled for April 8-9, 2026 in Great Falls, Montana. If you are interested in supporting Montana’s next generation of automotive professionals, please contact Roberta Tilleman, SkillsUSA State Director and Competition Coordinator, statedirector@skillsusamontana.org for more information.
Together, with MTADA and Montana’s dealer network, SkillsUSA Montana is accelerating the development of a skilled, confident, and career-ready workforce — one student at a time.
Roberta Tilleman
Montana SkillsUSA State Director
