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Department of Integrated Engineering & Technology

Engineering Technology and Technology

State Skills USA-VICA competition

April 2004 at Salt Lake Community College.

If you are interested in competing in Skills USA-VICA the areas of competition are listed below:

3-D Visualization and Animation
Mimics the real world production environment where creative output must be accomplished within specific timeframes, resources and design constraints. This is a two-person team event. Contestants must produce high quality images and an animated short subject using 3D computerized images. Students are tested on their technical knowledge, production skills and creative/artistic abilities, take a preliminary written exam and do storyboarding (visual planning

Action Skills
A five- to seven-minute demonstration of an occupational skill in an area in which a student is training. Contestants use examples, experiments, displays or practical operations to clearly explain their skills using contestant-prepared visual aids.

Advertising Design
Tests technical skills and creative aptitude just as though contestants worked for an ad agency. Competitors produce a mechanical/color separation using traditional manual skills of measuring, inking, cutting amber, color registration, photo scaling, type kerning and leading. They also produce a mechanical layout on the computer. The creative portion involves the application of creative thinking and development of a design problem. Layout, drawing and illustration are used.

American Spirit
A notebook contest documenting SkillsUSA chapters' community service and citizenship projects that demonstrate a belief in the American way of life and the purposes of SkillsUSA–VICA.

Architectural Drafting
Gives contestants a problem consisting of background information, building requirements, and a description of architectural drawings. Students must develop an appropriate plan, in four to five hours, from design notes and instructions. Judges look for correct solutions to the problem, line work, layout, and accuracy.

Automated Manufacturing Technology
A team contest for three students. The contest evaluates teams for employment in integrated manufacturing technology fields of computer aided drafting/design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing ( CAM ), and computer numerical controlled machining (CNC). CAD operators construct the part geometry; the CAM operator generates the tool paths; and the CNC operator sets up and machines the part

Automotive Service Technology
Includes ten hands-on tasks and a written test during a six-hour period. Hands-on task stations include: engine repair, brakes, transmission electrical service, and engine performance testing using the latest service scan tools. Contestants are also tested on their knowledge of automotive computers. A written test parallels the National Technician Certification test from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and is written and proctored by ASE representatives .

Basic Health Care Skills
Tests contestant's beginning level of health occupations knowledge and skills of basic and fundamental health care. Contestant's skills are evaluated through hands-on demonstration, written examination, interviewing and presentation.

Cabinetmaking
Requires the building of a small cabinet from materials and drawings supplied. Contestants are expected to read the drawings, lay out and cut the parts using a table saw, laminate trimmer, hand drill, hinge boring machine and various hand tools. The parts must be accurately assembled, sanded and adjusted to tolerances specified by the judges.

Carpentry
contestants must build and complete a project specifically designed to test overall carpentry skills including framing, exterior trim, and stair building. They are judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, and the proper use of tools and equipment.

Chapter Business Procedure
A team contest evaluating students' ability to conduct business meetings for a SkillsUSA-VICA chapter according to the order of business published in Robert's Rules of Order—Newly Revised.

Chapter Display
Selects the outstanding promotional exhibit designed and constructed by SkillsUSA student members. The display is built around and articulates a common theme established annually by SkillsUSA.

Commercial Baking
Challenges contestants to meet production and quality standards expected by industry. Students must scale, mix, prepare and bake six products (including breads, rolls, Danish, cookies and pies) and demonstrate cake-decorating skills. They must deliver a quality, salable product while working efficiently and under job-like conditions.

Community Service
Evaluates local chapter activities that benefit the community. SkillsUSA chapters present their best community service project for the year to a panel of judges. Contestants are evaluated on: (1) a notebook reporting the chapter's community service project and, (2) A live presentation by a chapter team of two to three members. The team may be a mix of secondary and postsecondary students.

Computer Maintenance Technology
Consistent with the industry standards as outlined by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ Certification. Contestants take a computer-based exam of 75 to 100 questions. They also troubleshoot both hardware and software problems in a series of six workstations, and install and configure hardware. Software problems relate to DOS and Windows operating systems. Some of the workstations require interaction between contestants and judges including demonstration of customer service. Contestants are evaluated on their speed, diagnostic and standard industry procedures, accuracy of adjustments and correct component replacements.

Criminal Justice
For students preparing to be police officers or to work in other areas of criminal justice. Typically this contest will utilize both written examination and practical exercises to evaluate the contestants' abilities and knowledge of the field. The contestants are scored on their knowledge and application of U.S. Constitutional Law, written and verbal communications skills, and their ability to handle an entry-level law enforcement position.

Culinary Arts
A six-hour competition, encompassing both hot and cold food preparation and presentation. Contestants are rated on their technical culinary skills, sanitation and food safety techniques, and above all, the quality of their prepared items, particularly their creative presentation.

Customer Service
Evaluates students' proficiency in providing customer service. The contest involves live, role-playing situations. Contestants demonstrate their ability to perform customer service in both written and oral forms including telephone and computer skills, communications, problem solving, conflict resolution and business etiquette.

Dental Assisting
Contestants demonstrate procedures specified in the accreditation standards for Dental Assisting Education Programs of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Students compete in: chair-side assisting; preparation of dental materials; infection control; and emergency, laboratory and office procedures.

Electronics Applications
Consists of three sections. The first requires contestants to logically troubleshoot functional building blocks of electronics systems, using modern test equipment on audio systems, power supplies, microprocessors, digital technology and video systems. The second evaluates soldering and de-soldering skills, workmanship and assembly techniques in constructing an electronics project. The third part is a written exam on safety procedures, electronic devices and electronics concepts.

Electronics Technology
A six-hour contest divided into four sections testing contestants' knowledge of: analog and digital circuitry; ability to troubleshoot electronic circuits; ability to construct and test experimental circuits; to design and select circuit components; and to assemble an electronic circuit. All aspects of the competition test contestants' abilities to use and calibrate electronic equipment, record and organize data, and demonstrate proper safety practices.

Extemporaneous Speaking
Requires contestants to give a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic with five minutes of advance preparation. Contestants enter the preparation area one at a time where they are given a speech topic. They are judged on voice, mechanics, platform deportment, organization and effectiveness.

First Aid/CPR
Evaluates contestant's ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on six first aid scenarios including: adult, infant and child CPR; choking; bleeding; seizures; drowning; burns; head, neck or back injuries; dislocations and broken bones; eye injuries; diabetic emergencies; sprains, wound care, and heart attack. There is also a written exam. All skills are judged on nationally accepted standards identified by the American Red Cross for first aid emergencies and the American Heart Association for CPR.
Graphic Communications
Contestants will produce a printable page using a computer and page layout software. Each will be required to run two jobs on a Heidelberg Press, setup the duplicator, preparation of inks and moisture units, paper path adjustments and other adjustments as necessary. These could be one and/or two color jobs. Contestants will be required to do some production planning laying out jobs and planning them through the production cycle. Contestants will be required to produce a job through digital workflow to make CTP plates and/or proofs. In the finishing area, contestants will be required to setup and fold at least one small job on a folder.

Health Knowledge Bowl
Tests teams of four students on their collective knowledge of health occupations. Teams are judged on speed and accuracy answering questions in six categories containing over 1,000 questions: (1) health occupations skills—nurse assisting, medical assisting, dental assisting, lab and diagnostic procedures, pharmacology, first aid and CPR; (2) applied health sciences—anatomy and physiology and nutrition; (3) applied communications—medical terminology; (4) applied mathematics; (5) leadership and professional knowledge—SkillsUSA-VICA employability skills and legal/ethical/historical perspectives; and, (6) current events.

Health Occupations Professional Portfolio
Recognizes students for successful development of employment portfolios and evaluates contestants on their ability to present themselves to employers using their portfolios and effective communication skills. Contestants are judged on their portfolios and on their five- to seven-minute oral presentations.

HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration)
Contestants are tested on their ability to perform such jobs as troubleshooting then recommending service and repair, brazing, air measurement and troubleshooting, electrical troubleshooting, and refrigerant recovery. They are judged on the basis of their use of tools and test equipment, speed, accuracy, and safety.

Industrial Motor Control
Requires contestants to install electrical wiring for industrial motor controls and other devices used in an industrial setting; design and troubleshoot electrical diagrams using the proper test instruments; and, demonstrate the proper and safe use of hand tools. All of the work must conform to the specifications of the National Electrical Code.

Internetworking
Includes a written exam and a hands-on evaluation. The hands-on portion tests students' abilities to design, install, and maintain computer Internet works. Given a set of networking equipment (cable, hubs, routers, etc.), students must—in a fixed amount of time—install a network on which Internet applications run. The written test questions are taken from several general internetworking topic areas.

Job Interview
Divided into three phases: completion of employment applications; preliminary interviews with receptionist; and, in-depth interviews. Contestants are evaluated on their understanding of employment procedures faced in applying for positions in the occupational areas for which they are training.

Job Skill Demonstration A
Contestants demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. Competitors in Job Skill A must demonstrate a career objective in an occupational area that is included in one of the contest areas of the SkillsUSA Championships.

Marine Service Technology
Contestants cycle through workstations covering basic service, repair, and overhaul of 4-stroke and 2-stroke cycle marine engines and outboard motors. Knowledge of electrical systems, fuel systems, power transfer systems, ignition systems, cooling systems, lubrication systems, drive systems, boat and trailer rigging, and service and repair of accessories is demonstrated. There is a written exam. Contestants are judged on accuracy, workmanship, safety practices and speed.

Masonry
Requires the building of a brick and concrete masonry units. The freestanding work employs various bonds and material positions and uses design features universally used in contemporary and historical masonry including piers, masonry bonds, rowlocks and foundations. Contestants are judged on aspects vital to wall performance including level, plumb, full mortar joints, and symmetric bonding. The competition also judges students on safety and whether their workmanship is neat and clean.

Mechatronics
Requires contestants to understand he new industrial discipline of “mechatronics,” the ability to understand complex systems that integrate various elements in the mechanical, fluid power, and controls domain, combined with the ability to work in a team environment with people of different areas of expertise. Mechatronic specialists must therefore have well development skills in pneumatic technology, electrical and electronics systems, mechanical systems and general automation techniques and practices, including systematic troubleshooting methods. This competition consists of three events designed to measure the skills required in the modern automated manufacturing environment. Contestants will be required to assemble, adjust and test an automated machine system, troubleshoot and repair a faulty machine system, and take a comprehensive written test. The contest elements have been designed to be a realistic as possible, closely resembling the tasks and activities of modern automation professionals.

Medical Assisting
Contestants are tested on their skills in the clinical and administrative setting of a medical office. They are judged on speed, the use of correct safety measures, and their ability to interact personally with a patient. They are also judged on general office skills, communication skills, identification of anatomy and instruments, and on a variety of clinical procedures and techniques. The need to be able to assess a situation in a short period of time and perform a skill required for that situation.

Motorcycle Service Technology
Contestants perform numerous tasks representative of those encountered in a dealership's service department. The skills needed to win include clean and organized work habits; correct use of reference materials; the ability to follow directions; and good technical skills. Technical skills include performing scheduled maintenance or service on Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, or Buell motorcycles. Skills tested may include using service and parts manuals/microfiche, servicing brake, chassis/suspension, fuel, drive, electrical, and engine systems; and, using electrical testing and precision measuring tools.

Nurse Assisting
Students demonstrate knowledge and skill in performing patient care procedures in nurse assisting, including CPR. These include the ability to use and identify equipment; manipulation of medical materials in taking blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration, height, and weight; testing urine for sugar and acetone; and applying acuwrap to an ankle.

Occupational Health and Safety
Evaluates chapters' activities in the promotion of good health and safety habits in the career and technical shop/laboratory and on the job. The contest consists of evaluations of chapter safety activities as presented in an official SkillsUSA-VICA notebook, by the students. Chapters may also receive recognition from the National Safety Council.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies
A teamwork and oral presentation contest that evaluates teams' understanding of the symbolic representation of the colors and assembled parts of the SkillsUSA-VICA emblem. Each team includes seven registered members in the roles of president, vice president, parliamentarian, reporter, treasurer, secretary and optional officer.

Outstanding Chapter
Evaluates local chapter activities that benefit the student members, the school, and the community. Outstanding chapters are chosen each year to serve as an example of the enthusiasm and careful planning necessary to keep chapters active and to involve as many members as possible in activities. A competing chapter organizes the year's activities and records them in an official SkillsUSA-VICA scrapbook.

Photography
Contestants demonstrate their ability to use 35mm, medium- and large-format cameras, and digital imaging; professional studio light sources and equipment. Students perform on-site photography, outdoor portraiture, set up a basic three-light portrait array, process and print photos and submit two photographs in advance of the contest to be judged and displayed at the competition. Contestants are evaluated on their mastery of entry-level job skills.

Plumbing
Contestants "rough-in" hot and cold water lines with copper to a water heater and the sanitary drainage waste and vent lines with cast iron and PVC plastic for a water closet, a lavatory and a washer box. Completed projects are pressure tested on the water pipes. Professional plumbers and pipe fitters judge the contestants on the basis of accuracy, workmanship, proper selection and use of tools and supplies, and proper safety practices.

Power Equipment Technology
Tests contestants on troubleshooting two- and four-cycle engines installed on different types of equipment. Contestants are tested on failure analysis, warranty, and starter repair, and rated on overall knowledge of both the engines and the business aspects of the industry in eleven different testing stations.

Practical Nursing
Contestants are judged on their knowledge of medical terminology, body structure and function, nutrition, medications and nursing care. They must also demonstrate their abilities to perform job skills such as: administration of oral, subcutaneous and nasogastric medications; physical assessment; insertion of a nasogastric tube; sterile dressing change, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At each workstation they are judged on accuracy of their skill, organization, communication, and safety.

Precision Machining Technology
Contestants will compete in the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level I and II manual machining skills and knowledge areas including operation of manual milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and surface grinders. Contestant knowledge of CNC programming skills using a PC will be evaluated. Related knowledge and skill in the areas of engineering drawing interpretation, GD&T, technical math, machining practices, use of precision measuring hand tools and ability to speak using proper industry terminology are also part of the competition.

Prepared Speech
Requires students to deliver a speech five to seven minutes in length on a common theme established by National SkillsUSA–VICA early in the school year. Contestants are evaluated on their ability to present thoughts relating to a central theme clearly and effectively, and on voice, mechanics, and platform deportment.

Preschool Teaching Assistant
Contestants are evaluated on their ability to plan and present appropriate activities for children between the ages of 3 and 5 relating to a specific theme and demonstrate general knowledge of quality childcare. Contestants are given materials readily available in a child-care facility to prepare their lesson plan and activity. Curriculum areas include food and nutrition, language arts, mathematics, music, science and social skills.

Principles of Technology
Evaluates contestants' understanding of basic technical concepts/principles of the applied sciences and ability to demonstrate and explain the concept/principle in action and application. Any technical concept may be demonstrated, provided it is related to the principles of technology curriculum and incorporates basic principles of the applied sciences.

Promotional Bulletin Board
Judges bulletin board displays created by SkillsUSA-VICA chapters. The bulletin boards promote SkillsUSA-VICA, career and technical education in general, and related occupational information. An oral presentation is also included.

Quiz Bowl
Evaluates five-member teams on their knowledge of general academic subjects including basic mathematics, spelling, science, geography, history, and current events. Each team member also takes a 50 question written test. Quiz Bowl also covers SkillsUSA knowledge including the SkillsUSA-VICA Leadership Handbook, parliamentary procedure, and the Professional Development Program.

Related Technical Math
On a written test, contestants demonstrate skills required to solve mathematical problems commonly found in the skilled trades and professional and technical occupations. Skills demonstrated include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions and decimals; applied word problems; percentages; ratio proportions; averages; area; volume; metric measures and traditional (Imperial) measures and trigonometry.

Residential Wiring
Contestants are required to complete a written test, a practical conduit bending exercise and a hands-on installation and wiring exercise. Working from drawings and specifications sheets, contestants are required to install residential wiring and electrical devices. Judging is on the basis of general workmanship, accuracy of layout and installation, and adherence to the current national Electrical Code and standard industry safe practices.

Robotics and Automation Technology
Challenges two-person teams to demonstrate operation of an Intelitek ER-4U, 5-axis servo-robot along with a set of sensors and motorized devices to resolve a simulated production process problem. They demonstrate and set-up a robotic workcell from a word problem task. Contestants are required to create a flow chart and sequence of operation. Teams are judged on efficiency, speed and teamwork

Sheet Metal
Contestants in the sheet metal contest are tested on their ability to perform such jobs as connecting sheet metal pieces with drive cleats, spot welding and riveting. Skills tested may include straight duct, transition fitting and 45-degree entry tap fitting. Professional sheet metal workers judge contestants on the basis of use of hand tools, correctness of layout, and shop safety procedures.

TeamWorks
Requires teams of four to build a joint project in two days, demonstrating their preparation for employment in residential construction. Team members must: analyze a project drawing; write an action plan and give a presentation (in which each team member is required to have an active part); and demonstrate their ability to work as a team performing skills in residential carpentry, plumbing, electricity and masonry. They are also judged on cleanliness of jobsite, timeliness of completing the project, and proper ordering and inventorying of tools and equipment.

Technical Computer Applications
Tests students on installation, configuration and use of DOS, Windows 98/98/ME/XP Professional and Microsoft Office Professional (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Front Page, Publisher and Money.) The contest includes a one-hour written exam, an oral presentation and hands-on skill demonstration.

Technical Drafting
Contestants demonstrate their ability to create and produce drawings/data files that solve industry developed engineer design problems. Contestants must generate a solid model of a component from an engineered problem and produce drawings from an engineered assembly. A CAD system — of the contestant's choice — is used to generate all drawings

Television (Video) Production
Teams of two contestants are required to shoot a one-minute VHS video on location to convey the "theme" of the event. Editing is done in the contest area with special emphasis on professional production of the video by industry standards, quality of audio and video, and adequate conveyance of the "theme" to the viewer.

Total Quality Management
Student teams demonstrate their skills in the continuous improvement process over three days. Teams become involved in—and document—a process that will affect positive change within their school and/or community. Teams first present a TQM project from their home school/community. They are then presented with a real problem by a sponsoring business. Real data is collected and analyzed with possible solutions presented to the judges. Teams are evaluated to a predetermined standard based upon their work in the following areas: problem/process statement; goals/objectives; process/evidence of planning (methodology); teamwork; data collection; use of analytical tools/display data; results; and innovation.

Welding
Competitors receive contest drawings and a set of welding procedure specifications. All drawings, welding symbols, and welding terms conform to the latest edition of the American Welding Society standards. Through a series of stations, contestants are tested on various aspects of welding: measuring weld replicas, using weld measuring gauges; laying out a plate and using oxy-acetylene equipment to cut several holes that are checked for accuracy and quality; gas metal arc welding (GMAW) on steel making welds in various positions using short circuiting transfers; and, using a combination machine capable of providing the correct welding current for shielded metal arc (SMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Competitors complete the steel project and weld an aluminum project in various positions using a variety of filler metals.

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