Putting Their Skills to the Test
In the Electrical challenge of the AGC Skills Challenge, students were given blueprints of electrical wiring and how to install boxes and locate wires. They started at the panel and wired to switches, GFI’s and light fixtures. They were watched by judges the entire time while also receiving tips and tricks from them. The students were judged on use of tools, safety, assembly according to plans, national electrical code, locations of items, functional test, and percent complete.
The competition didn’t go without challenges. The framing was slightly off, and the competitors had to adapt and overcome the problem by thinking of creative solutions to make the panel fit. Students are typically in the controlled environment of a classroom, so the competition was a very different atmosphere than what they’re familiar with. The pressures of competing against others, working under a clock, and things not going as planned gave them a glimpse into real life situations.
Judge, Jason Steel from Titan Electric, competed in the Skills Challenge when he was in high school and being on the other side of the competition brought back memories of the nerves and excitement felt by students. Events like this motivate the youth and show them the sense of accomplishment they’ll feel after completing a project in the field.
For years, students were taught that everyone had to go to college and fit into a mold but as the workforce ages, we are lacking in new talent to fill the open roles. Skilled trades show there are more options than just working in an office setting. The value of skilled tradesmen are higher than ever and events like the Skills Challenge introduce and encourage the idea of graduating high school, doing an apprenticeship, and joining the workforce. Ultimately, everything in life starts with trades and it’s more important than ever to get the youth involved.
