Source: Evan Beckman, 785-826-2978, ebeckman@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Natalie Blair, 785-826-2642, nblair@k-state.edu

Thursday, June 30, 2011

SKILLED CONTENDER: K-STATE SALINA STUDENT PLACES SIXTH AT SKILLSUSA COMPETITION

SALINA -- Kansas State University Salina's Allan Richardson, senior in aviation maintenance, Adams, Neb., put his skills to the test and earned a high finish in a national competition.

Richardson placed sixth in aviation maintenance technology at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Championship Conference in Kansas City, Mo., June 23-27.

This was Richardson's second year to compete at the national level and K-State Salina's fourth consecutive year to have a representative at the national championship. He qualified for the national competition by placing first at the state level in May.

During the contest, participants perform 12 tasks that represent the types of maintenance they will handle in the aircraft industry. The contest scope is consistent with the airframe and power plant mechanics certification guide published by the Federal Aviation Administration. Aviation maintenance is the only maintenance profession certified by the federal government.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. With 13,000 school chapters, SkillsUSA serves more than 280,000 students and instructors annually.