Students from across Illinois have earned awards, tested each other’s abilities and set themselves up for career success at the SkillsUSA Illinois Championships.

Over three days in late April, students from every part of Illinois came to the Peoria Civic Center for the ultimate workforce development challenges, 150 competitions, judged by expert employers who are looking not only to crown champions but find the young people who will become their next skilled workers.

Students compete in a wide variety of fields that don’t necessarily require a four-year college degree but need skilled training...