LEESBURG, VA. — During its national leadership and skills conference in June, SkillsUSA presented Peterbilt Motors Company with the Donor Award in honor of 10 years of support and more than $86,400 in contributions.

During the past decade Peterbilt has donated equipment and other material, as well as provided additional services, including management counsel, technical consulting and numerous hours of technical support for SkillsUSA competitions.

“Peterbilt is a shining example of the strong and steady industry support that is helping SkillsUSA build tomorrow’s skilled workforce,” said Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA.

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA chapters help students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations excel. Formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) SkillsUSA has more than 284,000
students and instructors as members.

The SkillsUSA Donor Award is given to corporations that have shown consistent and significant support of SkillsUSA’s programs. During their years of involvement with SkillsUSA, Peterbilt has played an active role supporting the SkillsUSA Diesel Equipment Technology Contest Technical Committee.

Mike Arzamendi, of Peterbilt’s Denton, Tex. office, serves on the SkillsUSA Youth Development Foundation Committee, which is SkillsUSA’s philanthropic arm. The foundation seeks to involve representatives of business, industry, organized labour, SkillsUSA alumni and other interested parties in the active financial and volunteer support of the programs and activities of SkillsUSA.

The committee that Arzamendi serves on is made up of key business leaders from corporate America who assist in fund raising; offer expert advice and counsel; oversee SkillsUSA’s programs, activities and events; and approve all financial contributions. The foundation raises approximately 25% of SkillsUSA’s overall operating budget each year.