Nicolet College student wins gold medal at SkillsUSA

Nicolet College cosmetology student Axel Jacobs recently won gold at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Jacobs clinched the gold medal in the Barbering competition at the event held in June, Nicolet officials announced in a press release.

“It was an incredible experience competing at the national level and I’m thrilled to have won gold,” said Jacobs. “The support from my family, instructors, and classmates at Nicolet College was invaluable.”

 SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry leaders working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Three Nicolet College cosmetology/barber students were among more than 2,000 students to compete at the SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference held in Madison in April. Autumn Pond competed, Ruby Mischler won silver, and Jacobs won gold, along with the opportunity to compete nationally. Jacobs was among more than 6,000 state champions competing for national gold, silver, and bronze medals in 115 skilled and leadership competitions.

“We are proud of Axel and all our students who competed at SkillsUSA. Their dedication and hard work truly shine through in their accomplishments,” said Marie Stott, Nicolet College cosmetology instructor. “Earning a 96.4 out of 100 is a major accomplishment and a testament to the quality of education and hands-on training we provide at Nicolet College." 

Stott was appointed to the National Education Team this year for cosmetology. After Jacobs received the gold medal, Stott was asked to consider becoming a technical expert for WorldSkills. 

Held every two years, the WorldSkills Competition showcases the best and brightest from over 80 countries to compete in a variety of skilled trades. Having won the gold medal at nationals, Jacobs is eligible to compete in the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China.

Jacobs, who lives in Mercer, enrolled at Nicolet College last fall and graduated from Nicolet College with a technical diploma this summer. He plans to pursue a career in cosmetology/barbering.

Additionally, he will begin training for the WorldSkills Competition, where he will proudly represent Nicolet College and the United States. 

The fall term starts August 26. For more information about Nicolet College’s cosmetology program or any of its programs, visit Nicolet College in-person, online at nicoletcollege.edu, or call (715) 365-4493, 1-800-544-3039, ext. 4493; TTY 1-800-947-3529 or 711 relay.