VICA

Purpose of VICA
* To unite in a common bond all students enrolled in trade industrial, technical and health occupations
* To develop leadership abilities through participation in educational, vocational, civic, recreational and social activities
* To foster a deep respect for the dignity of work
* To assist students in establishing realistic vocational
* To help students in establishing realistic vocational goals
* To create enthusiasm for learning.
* To promote high standards in trade ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety
* To develop the ability of students to plan together, organize and carry out worthy activities and projects through the use of the democratic process
* To foster a wholesome understanding of the functions of labor and management organizations and a recognition of their mutual interdependence
* To create among students, faculty members, patrons of the school and persons in business and labor a sincere interest in and esteem for trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education
* To develop patriotism through knowledge of our nation's

History

1965 - The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, Inc. (VICA) was founded by students and teachers who were serious about their professions and saw the need for more training in the areas of leadership to complement their chosen vocation. In Nashville, Tennessee, 14 states were represented, as VICA chose it's name, colors, motto, purposes and goals. 1966 - VICA membership was 29,534 in 1,074 clubs in 26 chartered states and territories; the first issue of the SkillsUSA-VICA magazine was produced.
1969 - VICA membership hit 82,000 with new chapters, postsecondary membership and VICA's yearly themes. The first theme was "Speak Up for America."
1972 - VICA membership up to 125,000.
1973 - VICA membership over 150,000.
1975 - VICA celebrated it's 10th anniversary with the induction of the one millionth member.
1978 - Ground breaking began for the National Leadership Center in Leesburg, VA.
1982 - The first year VICA incorporated industry update seminars as part of the National Leadership Conference.
1984 - Membership attained its three and a half-millionth member.
1985 - VICA's 20th anniversary; membership had grown to 12,632 chapters; the U.S. Skill Olympics had gone from 5 competitive events to 38; and it was the year to bring home the first International Skill Olympics Gold Medal for America. Dennis Falls of Arizona brought home the first graphic design gold medal.
1992 - VICA won the Vocational Instructional Materials (VIM) Outstanding Mediated Instructional award for it's parliamentary procedure video entitled "Rules of the Game."
1999 - VICA officially changed to SkillsUSA-VICA on July 4, 1999 at the National Leadership and Skills Conference. Students competing in the World Skills Competition in Montreal placed higher than ever before. Nationwide, chapter members began an image campaign in which they spoke to community leaders about the value of skilled employees, their training and SkillsUSA-VICA membership.
Return to Top

Creed
Upon my honor, I pledge:
* To prepare myself by diligent study and ardent practice to become a worker whose services will be recognized as honorable by my employer and fellow workers.
* To base my expectations of reward upon the solid foundation of service.
* To honor and respect my vocation in such a way as to bring repute to myself.
* And further, to spare no effort in upholding the ideals of SkillsUSA-VICAReturn to Top

Membership   

Approximately 13,000 teachers and school administrators serve as professional SkillsUSA-VICA members and instructors. More than 1,000 corporations, trade associations and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA-VICA on a national level through financial aid, in-kind contributions, and involvement of their people in SkillsUSA-VICA activities. Many more work directly with state associations and local chapters.  Professional membership applications available at National site. 

Home

Back to Clubs