The Carroll County Building Trades program places considerable emphasis on the SkillsUSA District Contest.  In most cases, the 1st place district winners have been able to go to the SkillsUSA State contest.  However, in 2010, one district winner was unable to attend the State contest due to medical reasons and in 2009, one national contest qualifier was unable to attend due to a summer scheduling conflict.  Additionally, 2007 produced a 1st place National SkillsUSA winner.

     SkillsUSA membership, while encouraged, is voluntary by students. Thus, participation at the State and National level is somewhat limited.  All students participate at the school level in SkillsUSA activities.

     While the enrollment totals are small, it must be noted that these numbers were based on students that registered through Building Trades.  Most of the Carroll County High School vocational students are enrolled in multiple programs and often are registered through another program.  In the 2009-2010 year, the Building Trades program had 15 students competing at the district level (students must be members to compete). In addition to these, there were several members that did not compete.

The two primary recruitment tools that the Carroll County Building Trades program utilizes to encourage enrollment are:

1.  Every SkillsUSA award received, regardless of place or contest level, is prominently displayed in the classroom.  This practice started when the current instructors began teaching in this program. Students are assured that the awards will continue to be displayed as long as one of the two instructors remains in the program.  Students enjoy seeing past winners that they knew, and alumni still check in to see the awards they won during their time in the program.

2.  There is also a fun event that happens twice a year that is well-known throughout the community and anticipated by the students.  While this event is a fundraiser, it has become one of the Carroll County High School SkillsUSA premiere events.  Every Fall and Spring, there is a BBQ cook in the Building Trades shop.  Between 1,500 and 2,400 pounds of pork are cooked each time, and through the presales by students, there generally is none left over for walk-in purchases.  The community anticipates and inquires about the sale to ensure that they are on the list to receive some of the Carroll County SkillsUSA famous BBQ.

Carroll County High School SkillsUSA organization set a national precedent through a community service project.  In response to the earthquake in Haiti, the Fuller Center for Housing was raising money and preparing to mobilize a building effort for the homeless residents in Haiti.  FCH determined that a dwelling could be constructed for $3,000.00.  The CCHS SkillsUSA students did not just raise some funds and make a token contribution, they raised and donated funds sufficient for a complete house, the full $3,000.00.  According to FCH directors, this was the first complete donation by any student organization, including colleges and universities. 

This helped frame a local awareness for the Fuller Center for Housing organization which had no affiliation with Carroll County.  Subsequently, the Fuller Center for Housing - Greater Carroll County Area was established and is now flourishing in the community.   The first FCH-GCCA house is under construction on the high school campus and is being built by the Building Trades classes.  This house is slated to be transported to a permanent location at the end of the school year.  Through the efforts of the school SkillsUSA project, a house was built in Haiti and a local FCH affiliate was formed and gained public awareness.

     The Carroll County Building Trades instructors have provided strong leadership at the local and district levels for several years.  Additional leadership has been provided at the state and national level. 

   For the Carroll County High School SkillsUSA organization, in the absence of a formal advisory structure, Mr. Legget has assumed the role of chief coordinator and communications liaison.  Meanwhile, Mr. Warren has focused on working and developing the student officers for the organization and preparing them for competition in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies contest.   Additionally, the Building Trades shop has become the fundraising center.  The primary SkillsUSA fundraiser is the Fall and Spring BBQ cook.  The fresh meat holding, cooking, processing, packaging, freezing, storing, and distribution takes place in the Building Trades shop.  As each cook starts with 1,500 to 2,400 pounds of meat, this is a major ordeal. 

   During the district contest, both instructors have participated in hosting several events in a given year.  This leadership is especially evident when district host schools have been unable to undertake the TeamWorks, Carpentry, Plumbing, or Masonry events, and the Carroll County Building Trades instructors have coordinated these contests and created partnerships with Wytheville Community College and its personnel in addition to availing the Carroll County Building Trades shop as well.  Participation has been strong both in the Construction Trade events as well as in the Leadership events. 

     Included are a few additional facts:

SkillsUSA Competitions

• Between 2005 and 2010, 80 place awards have been earned by Building Trades Students at the District, State, and National levels of competition,with countless others having competed at these competitions.
• Mr. Warren has taken a total of 15 students to the SkillsUSA Leadership Conference between three trips (7 leadership finalists and 1 Cabinetmaking - Gold Winner).
• Due to local economic conditions, all vocational students are included in the school SkillsUSA club free of charge.