TRAVERSE CITY — Brandon Scott had the opportunity to put his knowledge to the test Friday when he participated in a Skills USA competition.
Scott was one of eight electrical occupation students at the TBA-ISD Career Tech Center who demonstrated their wiring abilities during the event that challenged students to complete a given task under time constraints.
"It was a real eye-opener; it definitely showed me what it would be like on a job site," said Scott, a junior from Mancelona who spends half of his school day at the Career Tech Center.
"I would take more time to put more thought into how to work through the project, not just rush right in if I had the chance to do it all again," he said.
Scott is studying electrical occupations at the center, where 23 programs provide training to students from a five-county area.
The two-year program is designed to prepare students with skills and learning experiences, using state-of-the-art equipment, for employment and lifelong learning.
"Competing in Skills USA allows the students to use their problem-solving skills while working under a time crunch for the first time," said Matthew Nausadis, Career Tech Center assistant principal.
Electrical instructor Tim VanderMeulen enjoys seeing his students excel when put to the test.
"They have to show a real quality in their work, neatness (and) craftsmanship, all while working within code," said VanderMeulen, who brings in industry professionals to judge their work.
Doug Fauver, a master electrician and project manager for Feyen Zylstra, in Traverse City, said students who come from the Career Tech Center have a leg up when they start looking for work in the industry.
"They are getting a basic understanding of the electrical field, and it gives them an idea if this is something they really want to do," he said.
Pat Masiewicz, a project manager for Windemuller who judged the event along with Fauver, took three things into consideration when deciding who completed the task with the best results.
"First, it has to work, the work has to be neat and it has to meet code," he said.
Justin Augustson and Jordan Harnick, of Traverse City Central High School, and Jacob Smith, of Mancelona, had the highest scores of the day, earning them a chance to compete at a statewide level in April.
"This is a great opportunity for them to compete for tools and scholarships," Nausadis said.
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