Benjamin Strupp will attend the international skills competition in Shanghai, China, Sept. 22-27, after training for the next 9 months
Madison, Wis.—SkillsUSA has selected Benjamin Strupp, of Holmen, Wis., as the U.S.’s official competitor in Heavy Vehicle Technology for the 2026 WorldSkills Competition. The international skills competition, often referred to as the “Olympics of skilled trades,” will be held Sept. 22 -27 in Shanghai, China.
Strupp, a diesel technician, is a graduate of Madison Area Technical College and Holmen High School. He was the SkillsUSA Wisconsin state champion in Diesel Equipment Technology for both the high school and college/postsecondary divisions in 2023 and 2025 respectively. He placed second in the nation at the 2025 SkillsUSA Championships held during the annual National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.
“I have been around heavy equipment and trucks from a young age,” Strupp said. “This industry has been a major part of my life, and when I learned in high school that I could compete in an event that showcased the skills I knew best, I immediately pursued it. Continuing that path into college proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
In the SkillsUSA Championships, competitors cycle through stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, and powertrain systems including chassis, transmissions, and carriers. They demonstrate skills in hydraulic systems, vehicle inspections, fundamental failure analysis, brake systems, air-conditioning systems, and general shop skills. Competitors also perform a job interview and complete a written test.
Strupp said he was inspired to apply for consideration for the WorldSkills USA team by one of his college instructors who believed in his potential and challenged him to work harder.
“He explained that with hard work and dedication, I could earn the opportunity to represent the United States at the WorldSkills competition in China, in 2026,” Strupp said. “That conversation motivated me to push myself and commit fully to my training. It feels incredible that someone from a small town in Wisconsin could train, work hard, and be chosen to represent my skills and knowledge as the competitor.”
Strupp’s expert for the WorldSkills Competition is Greg Vannorsdel, Product Consultant for John Deere. John Deere and Caterpillar are sponsoring Strupp’s and Vannorsdel’s participation in this international competition.
Vannorsdel, who has volunteered his time with SkillsUSA for a decade and was a student competitor himself when SkillsUSA was still known as VICA, said he is excited to help Strupp and the WorldSkills USA delegation shine on the international stage.
“This isn’t just a role, it’s a chance to elevate our industry, invest in the next generation of talent, and prove that American skill can compete with the best in the world,” Vannorsdel said. “For years, I’ve poured my energy into SkillsUSA and future generations of diesel technicians, driving positive change and building trust as a national leader.”
Strupp is eager to train over the next nine months.
“From now until the competition, my training is extremely intensive, with a demanding schedule filled with travel and hands-on experience,” Strupp said, noting that self-discipline is the “most important part” of his preparation.
Heavy Vehicle Technology is the fifth competition in which the U.S. delegation will compete during WorldSkills. WorldSkills brings together young people, industry, education, and government leaders from around the world to advance career and technical education and training. Competitors vie for international honors in skill competitions, showcasing dozens of trade skills.
To support the WorldSkills USA team, donate at worldskillsusa.org/donate.
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