Thursday, April 30, 2026

Thank You to WECA Member Royal Electric Company for Helping Us Host a Successful Competition




 

WECA recently hosted the electrical construction segment of the SkillsUSA State Competition at WECA's new Riverside Training Facility!

SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization that empowers students to "become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members."

Traditionally held at the Ontario Convention Center, this year was the first year that the SkillsUSA event was conducted at a new site. WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor, Alex Cortez, assisted with the judging.

John Berkhoel, WECA's Director of Apprenticeship Training, said "The transition was seamless, earning high praise from both competitors and instructors, many of whom expressed a strong preference for our facility as the permanent host. We are proud to have supported the state's top talent as they prepare for the National finals in Georgia."

We very much appreciate WECA Member Contractor Royal Electric for their involvement with SkillsUSA and helping us to host a successful event.






 

Leslie Schlaegel, Royal Electric Company's Vice President of Talent, shared this about the SkillsUSA Competition on LinkedIn:

"Last week I spent some time in SoCal catching up with our Long Beach team and attending the 2026 SkillsUSA California regional competition and board meeting. I'm always blown away by the excitement and professionalism of these emerging leaders. We kicked off the opening ceremonies at the Toyota Amphitheater in Ontario, CA. I'm especially proud and thankful for my team members at Royal for showing up and judging the electrical competition. Jerry Locanas our General Superintendent and Tanner Durham our Director of Manufacturing and VC did an amazing job organizing this with our partners at Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc."

WECA thanks Leslie and Member Contractor Royal Electric Company for helping us to organize and host the successful SkillsUSA electrical competition at our new Training Facility in Riverside, CA!