Springfield Oaks Activities Center in Davisburg echoed with the pounding of hammers and roar of power saws Dec. 6, as construction students tested their skills in head-to-head competition.
Oakland Schools Technical Center – Northwest in Independence Township hosted the First Annual Holiday Invitational Carpentry and Masonry Competition. Students from the Clarkston area competed with teams from Ann Arbor, Wayne Westwood, Detroit, and Warren.
“It gives students a chance to hone their skills,” said Duane Olds, carpentry and masonry teacher at Oakland’s Northwest campus. “It helps them get better at what they do.”
Contestants were judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, and proper use of tools and equipment, he said.
Clarskton Community School bus drivers volunteered to prepare lunch.
“I’m on the fair board,” said Mary Ann Floyed, bus driver. “I asked the people I work with to help.”
The carpentry project included rough carpentry, and some finish carpentry, vinyl siding and brake work, and aluminum coil work. Masonry included 8-inch and 4-inch block, and brick. A local Skills USA competition is planned for February. Competitors will have the chance to advance to regional, state, and national contests, Olds said.
For more information on Oakland Technical Campus-Northwest, 8211 Big Lake Road, call 248-922-5800.