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.