Apprentices put their trade skills to the test

WEST BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The sound of hands at work filled a building at the Washington County Fair Park in West Bend Friday, Dec. 5. 

Dozens of apprentices worked on projects for a skills competition run by associated builders and contractors. 

The apprentices worked in four categories, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and HVAC. 

A group of high school students watched the workers; they were invited with an eye toward a possible future in the building trades. 

"We're finding a major growth in our apprenticeship program over the last four years.  And it's because high school students are getting a taste of it," said Kelly Tourdot, president ABC of Wisconsin. "They don't want to sit behind a desk, they want to do hands on, and this is just a way for them to taste out."

The apprentices at the competition for a chance to go to a national competition in Salt Lake City.