MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Nine Mitchell Technical College students recently represented South Dakota at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The annual event brings together more than 6,800 of the nation’s top career and technical education students to compete in hands-on technical, skilled, and leadership competitions while networking with industry professionals and employers from across the country.

Mitchell Tech students earned the opportunity to compete at the national level after winning their respective state competitions and demonstrating exceptional technical skills, professionalism, and dedication to their trades.

Blaine Simantel brought home a silver medal with a second-place finish in Marine Service Technology; Trevor Boesel captured a bronze medal with a third-place finish in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR); Sully Shippy and Brenden Wantoch earned a bronze medal and third-place finish in team Mechatronics; Caden Waltner, Nathan Hoekman, and River Niewenhuis teamed up to earn 10th place in team Welding Fabrication; Josiah Wollman placed 18th in Welding Sculpture; and Jaxon Ladner represented the school in Electrical Construction Wiring.

The Welding Fabrication competition challenged teams to interpret blueprints, fabricate projects to exact specifications, and demonstrate teamwork under strict industry standards. Mechatronics competitors combined mechanical, electrical, and automated systems knowledge to troubleshoot and solve complex manufacturing scenarios. Other competitions tested students’ skills in welding artistry, electrical installation, HVAC systems, and marine technology diagnostics and repair.

The students were accompanied by advisors Travis Peterson, Welding & Manufacturing Program Coordinator, and Rayne Guindon, Power Sports & Marine Technology Instructor.

“Qualifying for SkillsUSA Nationals is an accomplishment in itself,” said Guindon. “These students spent countless hours preparing for competition while balancing coursework and other responsibilities. They represented Mitchell Tech, their programs, and South Dakota exceptionally well.”

Peterson recognized that the experience provides students with opportunities that extend far beyond the competition floor.

“Students get to measure their skills against the best in the country, make industry connections, and gain confidence in their abilities,” Peterson said. “Whether they brought home medals or not, they return with valuable experiences that will benefit them throughout their careers.”