WESTMINSTER, CO, May 21, 2026 – Trimble is bringing construction, geospatial and modeling software into SkillsUSA career and technical education (CTE) programs as the U.S. construction sector faces demand for more than 450,000 new professionals in 2027. The collaboration gives instructors and students access to tools used in design, surveying, BIM, drone technology and heavy equipment training.
The CTE program covers classrooms, trade training programs and state and national SkillsUSA competitions. Trimble will provide advisors and instructors with an overview of its technology and several options for classroom use.
Student members can also request access to Trimble tools for local, state and national competitions. The effort is intended to give students exposure to professional software used in construction, geospatial work and transportation.
“The true test of innovation is whether it empowers others to achieve more,” said Ian Warner, director of industry workforce development at Trimble. “By equipping SkillsUSA students with Trimble technology, we are moving beyond traditional training to ensure the next generation can connect the physical and digital worlds to build more efficiently and sustainably.”
SkillsUSA Advisor Development Session and Conference Sponsorship
On April 16, Warner held a SkillsUSA technical session for advisors. The session covered how Trimble construction, geospatial and transportation technologies can be used in classroom instruction and skills-based training.
Trimble will donate software subscriptions to SkillsUSA, including Trimble SketchUp 3D modeling software, Tekla software for constructible Building Information Modeling (BIM) and structural engineering, and Trimble Business Center (TBC) survey CAD software. The donation also includes other Trimble technologies used in design, modeling, surveying and construction workflows.
Trimble will also sponsor the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), supporting competitions in drafting, drone technology and heavy equipment operation. The programs connect classroom instruction with technical skills and give students exposure to digital workflows used in construction industries.
“Collaborating with industry leaders like Trimble allows our students to work with the latest technology, preparing them to be career-ready from their first day on the job,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA.
Source: Trimble
About Trimble
Trimble Inc., established in 1978, is a technology company focused on creating tools that connect the physical and digital worlds. Based in Westminster, CO, the company serves industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial technology, and transportation. Its products include GNSS receivers, optical devices, machine control systems, and widely used software and services. Trimble’s construction technology improves project efficiency by using data throughout each build stage. The company employs around 12,000 people worldwide. The company prioritizes innovation and sustainability, working to make industries productive, safer, and environmentally friendly.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit student organization for career and technical education. Founded in 1965 as VICA, it is headquartered in Leesburg, VA. The organization serves middle school, high school, college and postsecondary students, along with teachers and professional members in skilled trades and technical fields. It provides leadership training, skills competitions, career-readiness curricula, technical standards, credentialing opportunities, national conferences and chapter resources. SkillsUSA works with schools, state associations, local chapters, employers and trade groups. Its fields include construction, manufacturing, transportation, health science and information technology. The organization reports more than 444,000 student and teacher members across all states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It also reports more than 850 national partners.