NAHB Announces Support for SkillsUSA Carpentry Students

NAHB this year will sponsor SkillsUSA’s mission and scholarships for the national carpentry winners of the SkillsUSA Championships during its National Leadership and Skills Conference. SkillsUSA is a national education nonprofit focused on workforce development.

“NAHB is stepping up to support America’s construction future workforce,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “We are rolling up our sleeves every day to serve career and technical education and forge meaningful partnerships between education and industry that result in a better-trained workforce and, ultimately, a shrinking skills gap. We are so appreciative of NAHB’s support for our carpentry students.”

The annual SkillsUSA Championships, held this year in Atlanta, June 20-24, recognize the achievements of career and technical education students. The competition is designed to help encourage students to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen occupations. Participants prove their expertise in job skills for occupations such as carpentry, electronics, technical drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts.

Contestants in carpentry frame walls using wood and/or steel studs, cut and install rafters, gable end overhangs, fascia board and soffit installation, install sheathing and/or exterior siding and trim. The contestants are also required to demonstrate knowledge of stair construction. Participants are judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, safety and the proper use of tools, equipment and materials. Safety practices and procedures are part of each contestant’s score.

“NAHB is proud to be an official partner of SkillsUSA and to support this worthy organization that helps students succeed in the workplace,” said NAHB CEO Jerry Howard. “There has been a skilled labor shortage in our industry for some time now, and by working with SkillsUSA we can help close that gap and create a workforce that is essential to meet the strong demand for housing.”