Alexis Squyres, a 2023 graduate of Tamaqua Area School District and the Schuylkill Technology Center’s Precision Machine Trades Program, has been selected as an official competitor in CNC Milling for the 2026 WorldSkills USA Competition 2026. The event will take place September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.
Squyres continued her education at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where she graduated in 2025 with a degree in Computer Integrated Machining. During her time there, she built an impressive competitive resume through SkillsUSA.
In 2024, Squyres earned first place at the Pennsylvania post-secondary SkillsUSA competition before going on to capture a bronze medal at the national level—an achievement that helped pave her path to the international stage.
Now working as a 3-axis CNC programmer for Phillips Corporation, Squyres credits her competition experience with shaping her mindset and approach to challenges.
“The state and national competitions taught me to constructively approach frustrations and adapt to changes,” Squyres said. “I learned not to be set on just the goal of winning, rather take advantage of the opportunity to pick up all the details of the experience, which the WorldSkills USA team has already been echoing in me.”
CNC Milling is a specialized area within manufacturing that uses computer-controlled machines to cut, drill, and shape materials such as metal and plastic with extreme precision. The process plays a critical role in modern manufacturing, allowing for the efficient production of complex and highly accurate components.
Squyres’ selection highlights not only her individual accomplishments, but also the strength of career and technical education programs in Schuylkill County, which continue to prepare students for success on both a national and global level.