By Beacon Staff
In recognition of Construction Week 2020, Carl A. Nelson & Company conducted its fourth annual High School Skills Challenge on Oct. 8. The challenge allows local high school construction trades students to bring classroom lessons into real-world practice.
Participating were Burlington High School, Mediapolis High School, and two teams from Fort Madison High School. The event typically includes five schools with teams rotating through a series of skill stations but was scaled back due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The first-place team from Fort Madison High School, led by instructor Clint Kobelt, included Owen Kruse, Kane Williams, and Trey Edwards. It was the third win in four years, and the second in a row, by an FMHS team.
Students spread out on the Carl A. Nelson & Company grounds to construct steel angle platforms with wood stairs. Skills being demonstrated included welding, carpentry, figuring stairs, and cutting stringers.
The annual program also brought high school students into direct contact with local professionals in the construction industry to learn about career opportunities in fields such as the construction trades.
The prize for first place was a $400 Lowe’s gift card to support the school’s construction trades program, while each team member received a new 35-foot tape measure.
Photo submitted
The winners of Carl A. Nelson & Company’s fourth annual High School Skills Challenge, from left with their teacher, Clint Kobelt, were Fort Madison High School’s Owen Kruse, Kane Williams, and Trey Edwards.