Idaho State College of Technology sweeps SkillsUSA state competition for third straight year

The annual SkillsUSA state competition brings together career and technical education students from across Idaho to compete in industry-based skill events that test technical knowledge, hands-on ability and workplace readiness.

This year, College of Technology students earned medals in robotics, electronics, aviation maintenance, diesel technology and several other fields, reinforcing the college’s reputation for producing highly skilled graduates prepared for the workforce.

Among the standout performers was electronics student Angel Nava, who captured gold in the electronics competition and also earned gold in related mathematics. Teammate Rudy Earnest took silver in both events, while Jacob Horsley secured bronze in each competition. For the third year in a row, Idaho State electronics students swept the gold, silver and bronze medals in both the Electronics and Electronics-Related Mathematics competitions at the state SkillsUSA event.

In the mechatronics team competition, Luke Kloer and Luke Groesbeck earned a second-place finish.

Students from the diesel program also had a strong showing. In the heavy equipment operation category, Talyne Koyle won gold, Kolton Foster took silver and Hayden Velin earned bronze. In diesel equipment technology, Matson Valenta placed second and Carlos Juarez finished third.

Other medalists included Ash Thompson, who took silver in collision repair technology, and Pablo Murillo, who earned bronze in collision damage appraisal.

The aviation maintenance technology program also performed strongly, with Brandon Williams winning gold, Jaqueline Venters earning silver and Rex Fackrell placing third.

SkillsUSA competitions are designed to replicate real-world job scenarios and are evaluated by industry professionals. The events emphasize technical proficiency, safety standards and problem-solving skills essential for careers in skilled trades and technical industries.

Students who earned gold medals will advance to represent Idaho at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference later this year.