Washington State Skill Center Association

Please join us in celebrating YV-Tech! 

Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center has been honored with the AED Foundation Recognition, a prestigious distinction awarded to high school equipment technology programs demonstrating excellence in preparing students for careers in the equipment industry. This recognition highlights YV-Tech’s dedication to equipping students with the technical skills, knowledge, and work ethic necessary to thrive in high-demand, technical careers. 

YV-Tech joins 11 other schools across Washington in achieving this distinction, a recognition that spans across the next five years. The AED Foundation, a non-profit for the Heavy Equipment industry, partners with schools and industry leaders to bridge the skills gap, ensuring students receive hands-on experience and meet rigorous academic and technical standards. 

SkillsUSA Washington sponsored Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center in this journey, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering workforce readiness. 

“At SkillsUSA Washington, our mission is to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their chosen careers, and our partnership with AED is a shining example of this commitment, said Karmen Warner, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Washington. “By aligning SkillsUSA’s technical standards with AED’s high-level industry benchmarks, we’re creating a framework that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today’s workforce.” 

Congratulations to the educators and students at YV-Tech for this significant achievement and their ongoing efforts to build a skilled and confident workforce for the future!