SkillsUSA, the organization that represents the United States in the WorldSkills Competition, will send 16 students as part of the United States “WorldTeam” to compete in the 40th international event to be held Sept. 1-7, 2009. This year, Scott Raymond, of East Hampton, Mass., and a student at the Universal Technical Institute, will represent the United States in Calgary, Canada in the WorldSkills Autobody Repair Competition.

Every two years, hundreds of young people from 51 member countries or regions compete in the WorldSkills Competition. Member countries include Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil and others. Considered “the best of the best” these contestants compete for four days in 45 occupational skill areas from economic sectors including manufacturing, information technology, transportation, construction and services. Accompanied by their teachers, trainers and industry technical committee experts, these young people compete before the public in contests that are run by and judged by industry using demanding international standards.

Over its 55-year history, WorldSkills International has come to symbolize the pinnacle of excellence in technical training. This year, in Calgary, more than 1,000 competitors will test their skills. Five thousand international experts, delegates and judges from around the world and 3,000 volunteers will attend. A total of 150,000 student and public spectators will attend the competition at Stampede Parksituated on 193 acres with 800,000 square feet of competition space. For more information about the competition go to: http://www.worldskills.org.

Raymond earned the right to be a member of WorldTeam by winning local, district and national contests in autobody repair under the SkillsUSA program.

Competitors must be under the age of 23. According to WorldSkills International autobody repair competitors must be able to:

• diagnose the damage and repair the vehicle to the stage at which it can be painted;

• use computerized control and safety equipment;

• use panel repairing equipment and bodywork realignment and measuring devices;

• utilize conventional workshop tools as well as computers;

• utilize welding skills techniques.

Organizations supporting United States’ participation in the WorldSkills Competition include: Lowe’s Companies Inc., Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Kraftsman Auto Body Inc., Snap-on Tools Inc. and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists.