What SkillsUSA Builds That Employers Actually Need | Serenity Satterfield

About this episode

Serenity Satterfield discusses the essential skills that SkillsUSA develops in tradespeople beyond technical abilities.

What are employers actually looking for in the next generation of tradespeople? According to Serenity Satterfield, it’s not just technical skill. It’s confidence, communication, professionalism, and the ability to step up before you feel fully ready. That is what SkillsUSA is building. Serenity Satterfield is the SkillsUSA National High School President, and her own story shows why the organization matters. She went from a small chapter in San Bernardino, California, to advocating for career and technical education on Capitol Hill and serving in national office — all because she kept saying yes to opportunities that pushed her outside her comfort zone. Through competitions, leadership development, community service, and a framework that blends personal, workplace, and technical skills, SkillsUSA is preparing students for far more than a first job. It is helping shape the kind of young professionals employers actually want to hire. This conversation is for employers looking for talent, students exploring the skilled trades, and educators who want to understand how leadership, soft skills, and technical training come together in one of the country’s most influential workforce…

People in this episode

Host: Andrew Brown

Guest: Serenity Satterfield

Topics covered

• tradespeople skills
• workforce development
• career education
• soft skills
• leadership
• technical training

Keywords

• SkillsUSA
• trades
• employers
• soft skills
• leadership
• career education
• professionalism
• communication

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SkillsUSA

Places: San Bernardino, California, Capitol Hill

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