NEW CASTLE, Pa. - The SkillsUSA competitive events showcase the best career and technical education students in the nation.

The local competitions took place this past Friday in New Castle, where students competed against each other in different skill events. 

"These students represent their skill trade, and within that skill trade, there are different levels of competitions different kinds of competitions they can compete in, and here they come, they converge and compete against their peers, so it's a good opportunity for students to see just how good they are at their skill and to compete against other kids who might be as equally as good," said Tony Miller, the administrative director in Mercer County. 

Students competed in skills such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, and much more.

Across the country, trade jobs are becoming more of a need today, and this competition is a great learning experience for students.

The SkillsUSA competitions also emphasize leadership, and one of the main goals for this competition is to help high school students become successful in their field of study.

The winners from the local competitions will head to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the Skills USA state competition.

If they are successful there, they will move on to the National skills competition in Louisville, Kentucky, later this summer.