Airgas Named Sponsor of 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference
For the third consecutive year, Airgas, an Air Liquide company, will proudly serve as the official sponsor and supplier of industrial gases for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), scheduled to take place in Atlanta from June 24 to June 27, 2025. This partnership underscores Airgas’ continued dedication to supporting workforce development and fostering technical excellence among the next generation of skilled professionals.
During the multi-day event, Airgas will provide a comprehensive range of industrial gases vital for the execution of numerous technical competitions. These include the high-performance ARCAL™ shielding gases used in welding applications, which are delivered through advanced SMARTOP™ and EXELTOP™ cylinder valve technologies designed for improved safety, ergonomics, and user experience. These cutting-edge gas solutions will be critical to competitions such as Collision Repair Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Welding, and Welding Fabrication.
The SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is a cornerstone event in the American technical education landscape, bringing together more than 16,000 attendees, including students, teachers, and industry partners. It provides a dynamic platform where the most talented career and technical education (CTE) students from across the country compete in over 100 hands-on skill and leadership contests that reflect real-world job scenarios. These competitions span various skilled trades, including construction, transportation, manufacturing, and service occupations.
SkillsUSA is a nonprofit national organization committed to preparing students for success in the workforce through skills development, leadership training, and industry partnerships. With nearly 440,000 members across middle schools, high schools, and postsecondary institutions nationwide, SkillsUSA focuses on closing the skills gap and creating career-ready graduates. Its student-centered approach is grounded in the SkillsUSA Framework, which emphasizes personal, workplace, and technical skills essential for success in any career pathway.
Bill Pharmer, Senior Director of Airgas Advanced Fabrication Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration. “We are excited to support the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference once again this year, and supply the industrial gases needed for the competitions. Witnessing the enthusiasm and talent of the participants last year was inspiring. Airgas is committed to supporting these students’ journeys as they explore careers in welding, engineering and other technical careers.”
Airgas’ involvement goes beyond the supply of materials. The company actively engages with students and educators during the conference, offering expertise, mentorship, and industry insights. This kind of interaction provides invaluable exposure for students, helping them understand the expectations of modern industrial workplaces while fostering relationships that may lead to future career opportunities.
As part of Air Liquide, Airgas has access to global resources and innovations that help elevate the experience for SkillsUSA participants. Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, is present in 60 countries and employs around 66,500 people. The group serves more than four million customers and patients worldwide. Its core business revolves around essential small molecules such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, which are foundational to many industrial and healthcare processes.
Air Liquide’s strategic initiative, ADVANCE, reflects its commitment to sustainability and innovation. It emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change, advancing energy transition through technologies like hydrogen, and improving healthcare outcomes. The synergy between Air Liquide’s global vision and Airgas’ local presence enables them to deliver sustainable, high-tech solutions across various sectors, including education and workforce development.
Airgas, founded in 1982 and now a key part of the Air Liquide Group, has become a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, hardgoods, and safety products. With over 1,400 locations across the country and nearly 18,000 associates, Airgas serves more than one million customers. Its robust infrastructure includes a user-friendly eBusiness platform and Airgas Total Access® telesales channel, ensuring that customers receive reliable service and tailored solutions for their business needs.
This year’s NLSC sponsorship by Airgas is not only a testament to the company’s industry leadership but also a reflection of its long-standing commitment to corporate responsibility and community engagement. Supporting SkillsUSA aligns with Airgas’ mission to empower individuals, enhance industrial capabilities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable workforce.
In addition to its product support, Airgas offers thought leadership and educational resources to SkillsUSA participants. Through demonstrations, technical support, and direct engagement with competitors, Airgas provides critical exposure to real-world industrial applications, safety practices, and operational efficiencies. These experiences are designed to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations.
SkillsUSA’s impact is far-reaching. Since its founding in 1965, the organization has served over 14 million students and instructors. Its influence is seen in the lives of graduates who enter the workforce with confidence, competence, and a strong sense of purpose. SkillsUSA champions not just technical expertise, but also the character and leadership qualities that drive personal and professional success.
The SkillsUSA Framework, integrated into classroom instruction, promotes a holistic development model. Students develop personal attributes like integrity and adaptability; workplace skills such as communication and teamwork; and robust technical abilities that meet current industry standards. Competitions at the NLSC reflect this balanced approach, offering real-world challenges that test each student’s readiness for their chosen career.
With national attention increasingly focused on the importance of skilled labor, Airgas’ role in SkillsUSA exemplifies how industry leaders can take proactive steps to support education and talent development. The growing demand for welders, diesel technicians, fabricators, and other skilled workers makes events like the NLSC more vital than ever.
Moreover, Airgas’ sponsorship is part of a broader movement among forward-thinking companies to invest in the future of the skilled trades. By aligning corporate values with educational initiatives, Airgas demonstrates how the private sector can play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of technical professionals.
The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference promises to be an inspiring showcase of determination, craftsmanship, and collaboration. With Airgas once again stepping in as a sponsor and supplier, participants will benefit from top-tier materials and unparalleled industry support. From welding arcs to leadership sparks, this partnership between Airgas and SkillsUSA continues to illuminate the path toward a more skilled and prosperous future.
For more information about Airgas and its wide array of industrial gas and safety solutions, visit www.airgas.com. To learn more about SkillsUSA and its programs, visit www.skillsusa.org.
