FIRST ANNUAL “A2 INVITATIONAL CARPENTRY COMPETITION” on December 17, 2024 in Saline
ANN ARBOR – Young people in Ann Arbor are finding opportunities to learn valuable skills in an industry starved for talent – home building. On Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, the Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program (AASBIP) hosts their first-ever Carpentry Competition, dubbed the “A2 Invitational”. It will take place at the Saline Bus Garage, 7190 N. Maple Rd, in Saline, MI. This judged event will run from 8am to 3pm.
The event, spearheaded by AASBIP lead Instructor Mark Valchine II, will help the program’s students prepare for the prestigious annual SkillsUSA Competition. Several of the program’s students plan on competing for Regional, State, and hopefully National recognition at the SkillsUSA Competition in spring of 2025.
Skills USA offers medals, scholarships, tool prizes, and even job offers from firms in attendance. Students value the opportunity as a confidence builder and source of pride and motivation to succeed and pursue greater knowledge and skills.
The Skills USA contest includes:
• Framing walls (wood and/or steel studs)
• Cutting and installing rafters, gable end overhangs, fascia board and soffits, sheathing and/or exterior siding and trim
• Stair construction
Competitors will be judged on accuracy, ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship, safety, and the proper use of tools, equipment, and materials.
A broader goal for the AASBIP is to provide pathways to careers in the home building industry. This dovetails with the high demand from employers for more skilled workers. Many skilled trades continue to face an aging workforce, and a labor shortage that presents staffing and production challenges. About 30 students from Ann Arbor’s High Schools graduate from the AASBIP every year. This year, “Team 55” is hard at work.
The Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program was founded in 1970, and builds a new home every year. This is a program endorsed and overseen by the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board, and administered by the AASBIP volunteer Board of Directors.
The Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. (ID#38-2495018)
For comment or questions, please contact:
Mark Valchine II, Lead Instructor, Ann Arbor Public Schools valchinem@aaps.k12.mi.us | 734.777.6796 | www.aastudentbuilding.com