Future Trades Leaders: Chattooga High SkillsUSA Holds Practice Competition Ahead of Regionals

On Friday, October 3rd, Skills USA competitors at Chattooga High School prepared for regionals by having a mock skills competition. The competitions include: Blueprint reading, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Metal Studs/Drywall, Plumbing, and Teamwork.
This was an all-day event held at Chattooga High’s Construction shop.

Blueprint reading competitor was Ava Howland. Cabinetmaking competitors were: Brian Durham and Corbin Wiggins, Carpentry competitors were: Kasen Elsberry and Jackson Montgomery, Electrical Construction Wing competitors were: Pedro Lopez and Matthew Busby, Masonry competitors were Jonas Hardy and Cody Corbin, Metal Studs/Drywall competitors were: Kylor Kellett and Oaklyn Young, Plumbing competitors were: Chance Elrod and Riley Willis, and our teamworks team (Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, and Plumbing) were: David Mangan, Xander Pauley, Colton McCary, and Sami Perez. Observing to learn so they can compete were Ethan Williams (Masonry), Lane Evans (Electrical), Abe Veatch (Electrical), and Mason Robertshaw (Electrical). For the welding section of the Mock Skills, their welding fabrication team worked on a project for a regional competition. This team includes Landon Dawson, Cooper Hampton, and Skylar Ward. They had two individuals who practiced for the region, Parker Powell and Gunner Henderson. Abbigail Smith is another student who worked as a welder on welding sculptures.

When asked how he felt, welding instructor Mr. Carter Woodall said, “This was a good opportunity for a dry run, just like a scrimmage for football, it’s good to see what we need to work on and shape them into better competitors.” Nine sections were set up in the automotive section, each relating to a specific automotive part. Testers for this section included Carson Aguirre, Nicholas Brown, Brayden Hutchens, Conner Jones, Joseph Owens, Henry Pickle, Mason Rose, and Brandon Watson. When asked how he felt, senior Nicholas Brown said, “This is very educational and I’m glad we’re getting the opportunity to learn about automotives before the competition.”

Senior Kasen Elsberry said, “I think I did very well during this preparation. This is a great thing for us to put on and to work on in the next couple of months we have.” All of these instructors and competitors have worked diligently to enhance their abilities. Good luck to all these competitors as they continue to prepare for regionals.