Madison Area Technical College students earned recognition on April 28 for their achievements at the 2026 SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference, where they received medals and national spots in skilled trades competitions.
The event highlights the college’s focus on hands-on career education, with participants demonstrating skills in fields such as advanced manufacturing, welding, baking, design, and automotive technologies. According to the official website, Madison Area Technical College extends its educational reach to support diverse communities across south-central Wisconsin according to the official website.
Fifty students from Madison College competed in 16 contests during the two-day conference held April 7–8 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Thirty of these students earned medals across fourteen competitions. Fourteen gold medalists will advance to represent Wisconsin at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference scheduled for June 1–6 in Atlanta. “This is what career education looks like in action,” said Madison College Skills USA faculty coordinator Tom Wozniak. “Our students are applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges and succeeding at the highest levels. We look forward to bringing even more success home from Atlanta.”
In addition to competition results, several students were elected to leadership roles within SkillsUSA Wisconsin: Emma Schwantes (Mechanical Design), Dani Casperson (Graphic Design), and Will Sellner (Diesel Heavy Truck Technology). Cosmetology and Barbering instructor Melissa Brainerd received the Pillars of Success award for her dedication to student achievement.
Madison Area Technical College features state-of-the-art facilities designed to mimic workplace environments for practical training according to the official website. The college is affiliated with the Wisconsin Technical College System according to its website, offering more than 190 associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship programs, online options, and study abroad opportunities as stated by Madison Area Technical College. It provides open access higher education aimed at fostering lifelong learning across diverse communities according to its official site.
Dr. Jennifer Berne served as president of Madison Area Technical College alongside collaboration with its District Board of Trustees as reported by Madison Area Technical College. The achievements from this year’s competition reflect both student commitment and institutional support toward workforce readiness.
