RENO — Two students from Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center (SNJCC) received awards in a statewide competition that tested their technical skills in culinary arts. Manuel Duque and Charlotte Ward competed against approximately 600 students in the State of Nevada Skills USA Competition.

Duque received a gold medal in the Job Skills – Demonstration category for Culinary Arts, and Ward received a bronze medal in the Interview Skills category for Culinary Arts. Duque, as the gold medalist in his category, will be traveling to the National Skills USA Competition from June 22 to 27 in Kansas City, Mo.

SNJCC concentrates on providing educational and vocational training in 16 vocations for underprivileged youth ages 16 to 24 in Nevada. The hands-on learning environment and practical application of skills help a tremendous amount of learning happen in a very short period of time.

“Competitions like this help students gain self confidence. We give them the opportunities to show the skills they have learned and the support system they need; one they may not have had before. They have an entire campus cheering them on,” said Ken Dugan, SNJCC Center Director.

SNJCC, run by Management & Training Corporation, has operated in Reno for 29 years and trains more than 800 students each year.