SkillsUSA Local Competition Held

Williamson’s masons and carpenters competed in the SkillsUSA local competition in the shops recently with Alexander Mahan coming in first place in masonry and Kevin Morrissey first in carpentry.

The masonry competition, which consisted of constructing a brick and block project, was required of all seniors and juniors and counted as their final exam. Two freshmen masons volunteered to compete. Four carpenters competed, building a framing project.

The SkillsUSA district competition will be Feb. 3 and 4 followed by states April 14, 15, and 16. First-place winners in states will go on to nationals in June in Kansas City.

Daniel Hiltebeitel, SkillsUSA adviser and director of construction technology-masonry, said “My philosophy for starting the SkillsUSA Williamson chapter 12 years ago was to show that when we boast that we are the nation’s best trade school it is not just talk; we can demonstrate in competitions that we are the best. And that is what we have done. Also, doing well consistently over the years helps our graduates get the best jobs possible in their fields by showing industry the quality of our students and the training they receive.

“The local competition is tough because these students are in competition with guys they live with and go to school with. They are all proud of their skills and the contest is very competitive.”

Ken Nelson, director of construction technology-carpentry, agreed saying “We had a good competition with everyone working diligently. It was a very close race and provided an excellent example of the students’ outstanding workmanship.”

Since entering the competitions 12 years ago, Williamson’s masons have taken first place in nationals three times and carpenters seven times.