SkillsUSA Carpentry Challenge pits teen trade students against each other for a shot at worksite glory

(WEST ALLIS) – Wisconsin high school students recently took part in a competition that tested their talents, timing and teamwork.  It had nothing to do with sports but rather the focus was on building a foundation for their future and providing the construction industry with desperately needed skilled labor.  

For two days in February, more than a dozen 4-person teams of high school students from across the state gathered in West Allis to compete in the two-day SkillsUSA Carpentry challenge. The stakes were high because the winning team advanced to the national SkillsUSA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky.

But for all the participants the event is a good reminder that their burgeoning trade skills are in high demand across the nation.

On CBS 58 Sunday Morning, Jacquelyn Abad takes us inside the SkillsUSA Carpentry Challenge.