Cary, N.C. – As part of its ongoing partnership with the Wake County Public School System, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas held its second annual Students’ Hands-on Experience Day (S.H.E.D.) competition at Cary High School over a three-day period beginning Thursday April 26. The overall objective of the yearly spring event is to promote interest in construction-related careers through experiential learning. Once again, the ABC Carolinas S2C (Schools to Careers Committee) engaged members of the local construction community to serve as mentors and judges to the more than 20 teams of high school drafting and carpentry students who competed in designing and building an actual wood-framed shed.
“There is an alarming and growing shortage of skilled and young workers entering the construction field. To combat this, we have connected companies in the construction community with our local schools to encourage students, parents, and educators to explore various career opportunities in construction and to help strengthen our workforce for the future of our industry,” said Michelle Lewter, Vice President, ABC of the Carolinas.
Eleven teams from six high schools competed in the design portion of the competition, while 10 teams from eight high schools competed in the build segment.
A panel of local architects judged the drafting competition, which required the drafting students to create framing plans and exterior elevations for an 8’0”x11’6” shed. Following the design competition, high school carpentry students were tasked with building the winning design from last year’s inaugural S.H.E.D. competition. ABC members from local general contractor and specialty contractor firms served as mentors and coaches for the “building” teams. This panel of judges included local building inspectors, as well as safety officers from various construction companies.
At the end of the three-day competition, completed sheds were auctioned off – with the proceeds designated for an ABC scholarship fund to be established for students to attend trade, vocational, or construction-related curriculums.
“On behalf of ABC, I want to congratulate the winners and hope all who participated will give strong consideration to the many different career paths available in our industry. We value our partnership with Wake County’s high schools and appreciate all the volunteers from the construction community who helped make this exceptional event possible. ABC looks forward to sponsoring our S.H.E.D. again next year,” said Lewter.
ABC of the Carolinas’ Triangle office is located at 1000 Investment Blvd, Apex, N.C. 27502. Call 919.267.6428.
About ABC of the Carolinas — The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Carolinas represents the merit construction contractors and related firms in North Carolina and South Carolina. ABC of the Carolinas is a chapter of the national ABC organization which represents more than 26,000 members. For more information and news, visit www.abccarolinas.org.
