About 

The SkillsUSA Framework defines career-readiness and is the source for the development of the organization’s educational programs, resources and products. The framework was created in 2014 because SkillsUSA realized the need for students — future employees — to be able to intentionally develop and communicate their abilities with respect to employability skills. In a survey, more than 1,000 employers stated that their greatest need when seeking new hires is to have access to job candidates who possess the skills identified within the SkillsUSA Framework. The framework communicates SkillsUSA’s definition of the career-ready individual. Within it, 17 Essential Elements are divided among three components: personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills grounded in academics. The SkillsUSA Framework is essential to our mission because it serves as the blueprint for career readiness and a benchmark for measuring student success — our ultimate goal as an organization. This approach actualizes SkillsUSA’s mission to “empower members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.”