Stories @ TCAT

Tennessee earned more college/postsecondary national medals than any other state at the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships. Tennessee College/Postsecondary members delivered a historic performance at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, representing the largest Tennessee college/postsecondary delegation in state history with approximately 300 students, advisors, administrators, and partners. Tennessee students earned 63 national medals (23 Gold, 23 Silver, and 17 Bronze), 68 Skill Point Certificates, and achieved 102 Top 10 finishes nationwide.

A highlight of the conference was TCAT Pulaski being named the National Models of Excellence Workplace Skills Champion, marking the first national Models of Excellence title in Tennessee College/Postsecondary history.
Beyond competition, Tennessee students demonstrated leadership and service by participating in the SkillsUSA Champions of Service project, with more than 60 members helping build beds for children in need through Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Eight Tennessee students were also selected for the prestigious Construction Immersion Experience, gaining direct exposure to careers and employers in the construction industry.
The conference reinforced SkillsUSA's mission of developing skilled professionals, workplace leaders, and responsible citizens while strengthening Tennessee's workforce pipeline through leadership development, industry engagement, and national-level competition.
By the Numbers

300 Tennessee participants
63 National Medals
68 Skill Point Certificates
102 Top 10 Finishes
1 National Models of Excellence Champion
60+ Community Service Participants
8 Construction Immersion Participants