Prospect student honored for carpentry skills
Nicholas Fowler of Prospect High School took seventh in the nation when he represented Illinois by competing as part of the 2015 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.
Fowler advanced to the national conference after he won first place at the SkillsUSA Illinois Championships in the Carpentry contest in April.
The Carpentry contest judges participants' ability to frame walls using wood and metal studs, cut and install rafters, gable end overhangs, fascia board and soffit installation, install sheathing and exterior siding and trim.
The contestants were judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, safety and the proper use of tools, equipment and materials.
The two-day competition, held in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23- 25 began with a written exam to test the construction knowledge of the contestants, followed by safety briefings and demonstrations.
On the second day, contestants were given eight hours to build a 4-by-8 structure from a set of given plans. All materials necessary were provided, but the tools used had to be brought by each contestant.
"Eight hours of swinging a hammer, running circular saws, measuring, cutting, double checking ... it takes a lot of energy to do that," said William Merchantz, the manufacturing adviser from Elk Grove High School, who accompanied Nicholas to his competitions.
"I would hire Nick in an instant to work on my house."
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