2027 SD SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference
April 8 & 9, 2027 · Lake Area Tech, Watertown SD
SD SkillsUSA Fall FOCUS Events
Join us this fall for SD SkillsUSA Fall FOCUS — an action-packed day of hands-on activities, leadership training and exploration designed to ignite student potential and build future workforce leaders. Open to new and existing SkillsUSA chapter members.
- October 6, 2026 — Western Dakota Tech, Rapid City
- October 20, 2026 — Lake Area Tech, Watertown
South Dakota's elite CTE students compete for the top spot
Hundreds of high school and college students gather for the common unity of enhancing their personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills grounded in academics. Throughout the conference students, advisors, professional members, volunteers and industry work together to create and foster a competitive and professional development conference. With around 50 competitions ranging from technical skills to leadership skills, every student has a chance to represent the state of South Dakota at the National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Pictures from past SD State Leadership & Skills Conferences
South Dakota's elite career and technical education students in action — welding, health science, automotive, culinary and leadership contests at Lake Area Tech in Watertown, SD.
Watertown conditions, countdown, and contest prep
Watertown, SD Weather
Conference host city — plan your travel and shop attire.
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Countdown to the Next Event
SkillsUSA South Dakota events
Contest Prep Checklist
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