On Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023, Mr. Dennis Hall (CCTC Construction and CADD Instructor) traveled with Brennan Pinder to compete in the SkillsUSA Skills Competition. Serving over 331,000 students and instructors annually, SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Their mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
There are 109 different skill competitions across all CTE programs of study. These competitions occur at the regional, state and national level. At the regional and state level, the top 3 place winners advance to the next level of competition. Brennan Pinder (North Caroline High School Junior and CCTC Completer) competed at the Region 1 competition, including student competitors from Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Brennan competed in the “Electrical Construction Wiring” Skills Competition. During this competition, “competitors are required to complete a written test of questions formulated from the latest edition of the National Electric Code (NEC), a practical conduit bending exercise and hands-on installation of a conduit system, cabling system and wiring devices. Working from drawings and specification sheets, competitors are required to install an electrical system common in most residential and light commercial projects. Judging is based on general workmanship, accuracy of layout and installation, and adherence to the current NEC and standard industry safe practices.”
Advancing to the State level later this year is North Caroline High School Senior and CCTC Completer Haley Davis. She will be competing in the “Architectural Drafting” competition where “competitors will use their drafting skills to solve an architectural problem. The problem includes a written test, a hand sketch, and drawings that are either computer-generated or board drafted. If board drafting, competitors must bring all the necessary equipment. The competition tests the competitors’ problem-solving abilities, not simply CAD skills.”
Program instructor Dennis Hall commented how “the Skills USA Competition is invaluable for our students. I am very proud that Brennan and Haley are competing and I am excited for their futures in the industry.”
School Principal and CTE Supervisor Courtney Handte added “SkillsUSA competitions give students an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities while developing networking and leadership skills. We are very proud of these students for their hard work and perseverance.“
Check out images from the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAu9gX
For more information on CTE programs of study or SkillsUSA in Caroline County, check out our website at www.carolinetech.org