SkillsUSA advisors Cayden Riley (left) and John Trapletti (right) with students Emma and Claire Uhler. All photos courtesy of Emma and Claire Uhler, except where otherwise noted.
The crowd may have thought they were seeing double at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta this past June. Identical twin sisters Emma and Claire Uhler, two of a set of triplets, won gold and silver, respectively, in the automotive refinishing technology and automotive service technology categories.
Their victory was more than a personal milestone; it was a chance to shine in a promising career field where opportunities abound.
“It is so exciting to talk about nationals,” says Claire, 20, recalling the mentor who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone to compete. “If he had not done that, I would not be here. It is amazing that a little push can lead to big chain reactions.”
An Early Start
In some respects, the Uhler sisters’ journey to the medal podium began two decades ago. Growing up in York, Neb., a town small enough where everyone knows each other, their father, Kevin Uhler, worked as an auto technician before stepping into a teaching role. He now serves as associate dean in the automotive technology program at Southeast Community College.
For Claire, the call of the engine came early. In the first grade, her teacher instructed the class to draw their future self: Claire drew herself as a mechanic.
“I’ve been wrenching on things since I wasn’t very tall,” she says, crediting her father’s influence but she is quick to clarify there was never any pressure to follow in his footsteps. “I had the cool experience of having an automotive instructor at home. I saw how many opportunities and how many directions this field can take you. You can find a niche to focus on.”
After graduating from high school in 2024, the sisters enrolled in Southeast Community College, where Claire pursued her Associate of Applied Science degree in automotive technology and Emma decided to pursue her degree in auto collision repair technology. In addition to their primary studies, both completed a second associate degree in operations and service management.
Not surprisingly, there was an early dream to operate their own shop one day, but for now the sisters are focused on starting their careers: Claire works in the service department at Penner’s Tire Pros in York, Neb., and Emma at Moore Collision Center in Lincoln, Neb. Both also speak of teaching one day.
“We have complementary degrees and both have knowledge of the business side and an aptitude for that. And we have seen how fulfilling teaching has been in our dad’s life. The opportunity to do that would be absolutely amazing,” says Claire.
Practical Experience
Being in a male-dominated field never intimidated the Uhler sisters, at least not after their first day in the classroom. Both entered Southeast Community College with a clear notion of where they were headed professionally; and each decided to join the Skills USA chapter as a new venture.
Their first year of competition was a steep learning curve. The SCC chapter was still in a rebuilding phase after the pandemic, and no one knew quite what to expect. Neither sister placed, but the spark was lit.
“I learned a lot about SkillsUSA and all the different competitions, the whole scope,” says Claire. “By our second year, we were excited to try again. We went in with a lot better idea how to prepare and gave it our best shot.”
At the 2026 SkillsUSA Nebraska state competition, Emma’s category was announced first — making history with all three top finishers being female. When she won gold, Claire was listening from backstage hoping she’d do equally well. “Lo and behold, I won gold as well: we both managed to pull that off.”
The top finishes meant both Uhler sisters would have the chance to compete in the national competition — something neither had dreamed possible.
“When I started college, I didn’t know much about SkillsUSA and now it has become a huge part of my life,” says Claire. “I appreciate the way this organization brings together skilled professionals. It is humbling to compete against the best and encouraging when you see so many opportunities. I get goosebumps.”
The time between the state competition and the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference passed quickly. The Uhler sisters walked the SCC graduation stage in May and began working full-time at their respective jobs. Emma recalls asking her supervisor for additional time in the paint department to keep her skills sharp for competition.
“In our industry, some say women do better because we have an eye for detail, and see colors clearly for matching and blending,” Emma says, adding that competitions and the industry standards are very procedural-based. “It is about following instructions, making sure we take our time so things are prepped correctly. Cleanliness in the paint shop is a huge factor.”
On the Right Track
In Atlanta, the sisters’ identical appearance caused more than a little confusion. Dressed in the same official competition attire, they were occasionally mistaken for one another. Emma recalls one moment backstage when a fellow student tried to tell her she was in the wrong line, only for her to respond, “My sister is coming.”
Despite preparation, the sisters knew the competition would be intense.
“We are both of the mindset that there is always room to be better, not feeling quite good enough,” Emma says. “We thought it was a big enough achievement to go to nationals, whether we placed or not.”
When Emma heard her name called as a top finisher, she knew she had done the best she could have done. “I thought through it and made the best decisions I could.”
“They announced third place, then second, then first and it was the same feeling I’d had at the state competition. I won gold and was thinking, ‘How did I pull that off?’, Emma laughs. “I am still learning and I know I have to figure it all out, but this was a nice reassurance that I am on the right track.”
Claire felt similarly when her name was called moments later. “This is such a multi-faced industry. I feel fortunate to have had that clear idea from the get-go and we had a lot of support and encouragement along the way. That has been a big blessing.”
In learning to be a mechanic, Claire said her education is from the wheels up: from creature comforts to the drivability of a vehicle. Today she is the only female technician in her shop but says that has never been a barrier to her success.
“I’m not one of the guys, but there is no uncomfortableness or hard feelings,” she explains, hoping her experience encourages other young women to pursue the trades. Emma and Claire Uhler have already made their mark as the “Silver and Gold Twins” of Nebraska. Their journey through SkillsUSA proves that in the world of automotive excellence, talent and hard work know no gender.
