Lily Williams of Jonesboro, AR, won the gold medal in automotive refinishing at the 2023 SkillsUSA Championships.
Lily Williams of Jonesboro, AR, has been officially selected to represent the U.S. in the car painting category at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition, set to take place Sept. 10-15, 2024, in Lyon, France.
Williams, a former student at the Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center, demonstrated her exceptional skills by winning a national gold medal at the 2023 SkillsUSA Championships in automotive refinishing. Her technical expert, Jamie Redd from Columbus, OH, will accompany her in this international endeavor.
"The 2024 WorldSkills USA team will have an amazing opportunity to represent SkillsUSA and our nation while undergoing incredibly rigorous training in their craft," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis, emphasizing the commitment of team members to skill development and personal growth, fostering their drive, passion and life's purpose.
For Williams, this opportunity is more than just a competition; it's a stepping stone to future success.
"Being selected for the 2024 WorldSkills USA Team is such an honor. I'm excited for the chance to compete on this level and for all of the opportunities that I will be given in the future because of this," Williams said.
The WorldSkills USA team will compete in several trade areas, reflecting the largest international showcase of skilled trades. SkillsUSA, a student-led partnership of education and industry, will announce the official team sponsors and other team members along with their experts in the upcoming months.
The 47th WorldSkills Competition in 2024 is expected to attract more than 250,000 spectators, including students, employers, teachers, trainers and government officials. The event will feature 1,500 competitors from more than 65 countries and regions, competing in 62 skill competitions, ranging from construction and building technology to creative arts, fashion and transportation.
SkillsUSA has been a force in building America's future skilled workforce, delivering career-ready graduates. With 850 national partners and an influential presence in nearly 20,000 career and technical education classrooms, SkillsUSA continues to empower students to follow their passions and excel in their chosen career paths.
