From building homes and businesses in our communities to advancing groundbreaking research, developing new technologies and setting the stage for some of the world’s biggest moments, skilled professionals are working behind the scenes every day. Their work keeps industries moving and communities running, with careers spanning construction and transportation to agriculture, technology, advanced manufacturing and countless other professions.
 

As demand for skilled professionals continues, helping young people understand the breadth of career paths available to them and giving them the tools to pursue those opportunities is increasingly important. SkillsUSA, the nation's leading workforce development organization for students, is helping connect young people to career pathways and the employers seeking the next generation of talent.

Clare Briner, Director of Marketing & Communications at SkillsUSA, emphasized that helping students feel seen in their choice to pursue skilled work matters not only for their own futures, but for the communities and industries that depend on their skills.

“Skilled professions are vital and necessary,” she said. Having Coca‑Cola celebrate these careers and help young people see the possibilities within them, she added, helps inspire the next generation of the workforce. 

SkillsUSA serves more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers nationwide, preparing students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. Clare described the organization's goal simply: ensuring students are "career-ready day one," whether they enter the workforce directly after high school or continue their education.
 

The Coca‑Cola system’s partnership with SkillsUSA expanded in 2025 through complementary support from The Coca‑Cola Foundation and The Coca‑Cola Company. The Foundation provided a funding gift for broader workforce development while The Coca‑Cola Company supported SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference. Together, these efforts are creating more opportunities to connect students with careers while helping employers address talent shortages.

"The partnership is truly shared value," Cathy Arrington, Director of Business Partnerships & Development, said. "We are ensuring there are good outcomes for both organizations."

That collaboration came to life during a visit by SkillsUSA student leaders to Coca‑Cola UNITED’s South Metro distribution center in Georgia. Students toured transportation, manufacturing and maintenance operations, gaining a firsthand look at the wide range of skilled careers within the Coca‑Cola system. During a conversation with fleet leadership, one student who had already earned an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) credential while still in high school realized the skills and credentials he developed had prepared him to confidently enter the workforce. 

Cathy described SkillsUSA as the bridge between education and industry, connecting students to internships, apprenticeships and careers while helping them build the technical, workplace and personal skills employers are seeking. In turn, businesses gain access to a verified talent pipeline that helps address critical workforce needs in their communities.
 

One tool supporting that work is SkillsUSA's digital mapping platform, which helps identify schools, training programs and employer needs within a defined geographic area. By connecting local employers with nearby talent, the organization helps strengthen workforce pipelines while making it easier for students to launch careers close to home, furthering the organization’s ambition of connecting students to their future.

The partnership reflects Coca‑Cola’s commitment to invest in organizations that strengthen communities and create pathways to opportunity. 

In one year alone, the Coca‑Cola system contributes $177 million in community initiatives together with The Coca‑Cola Foundation and the Coca‑Cola Scholars Foundation.

The Coca‑Cola system also contributes $85 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product and supports nearly 1 million U.S. jobs in one year, helping strengthen the communities where SkillsUSA students will live, work and lead. 

Together, SkillsUSA and Coca‑Cola are helping the next generation of skilled professionals launch successful careers, meet the growing demand for skilled talent and strengthen the communities they call home.