2015 SkillsUSA California State Woodworking Contests

2015 State Cabinetmaking & Introductory Woodworking Contests

held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Town & Country Resort, San Diego, California.

See photos from the 2015 SkillsUSA CA State contests:

Click here to see the scores and which students will be advancing to Nationals. Congratulations to all competitors!

Click here to see the official AWFS press release about the event.

See the Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking project plans (PDF).

The following PRIZES were awarded to the 2015 State Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking Gold Medalists:

• Cabinetmaking Gold, Post Secondary: (1) Cordless Drill and Skill Saw set, donated by Paul Fiala
• Cabinetmaking Gold, High School: (1) Bosch Cordless Drill, donated by Bosch
• Introductory Woodworking Gold: (1) Bosch Cordless Drill, donated by Bosch

THANK YOU to our sponsors for their valuable contributions to this important local industry-education event!

• Amana Tool (router bits)
• Blum, Inc. (hinges and TANDEMS)
• California Air Tools (air compressor)
• Decore-ative Specialties (sample cabinet doors)
• ESI (Edgebanding Services Inc.) (edgebanding)
• Hafele (decorative cabinet hardware)
• Rockler Woodworking (store #20/Orange, CA) (clamps)
• Royal Plywood (all material for woodworking contests)
• West-wood Products (pre-grooved drawer sides)
• Woodcraft, DeWalt & Porter Cable (Porter Cable routers)

THANK YOU to our volunteers to contributing their time and energy to planning, organizing and executing this event!

• Saul Martin, Architectural Woodworking Company – Cabinetmaking Contest Coordinator
• Jay Andrews, Laguna Tools Inc. – Cabinetmaking Judge
• Karl Frey, Colonial Saw/Lamello – Cabinetmaking Judge
• Dan Heck, San Diego Fine Woodworkers’ Association (SDFWA) – Cabinetmaking Judge
• Gary Riley, Blum, Inc – Cabinetmaking Support
• Paul Fiala, Custom cabinetmaker – Contest Support
• Roy Castillo, Palomar College Cabinet & Furniture Technology (CFT) Program – Introductory Woodworking Contest Coordinator/Judge
• Judy Emaus, Palomar College CFT Program – Introductory Woodworking Judge
• Adam Kessler, Datesweiser Furniture – Contest Support
• Imelda Torres, PhiWud Customs Inc. – Contest Support
• Adria Torrez, AWFS – Contest Support

What is SkillsUSA?

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel. SkillsUSA’s mission is to help its members become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.

The regional contest is the first level of competition for students in SkillsUSA. Those who score highest at Regionals are invited to compete at State Conference (in California, this takes place in San Diego in April), and those who win Gold at State can compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Louisville, KY in June.

How does SkillsUSA help our industry?

With over 300,000 student and advisor members across the nation, SkillsUSA is one of the most widely recognized and respected organizations supporting and promoting students entering careers in skilled trades. It is of critical importance to AWFS and our member companies to see students encouraged and trained in skilled trades. Like all manufacturing segments, the wood products manufacturing industry is in need of skilled workers to replace the vast numbers of retiring baby boomers. We recognize that supporting students and education and is the future of our industry.

How can you get involved?

Although this year’s regional contest has ended, SkillsUSA is always seeking industry support and involvement at the state and national level, and it’s never too early to start planning for next year’s regionals! Assistance as a volunteer or donations of tools, supplies or materials are appreciated. Contact Tovi Spero (tovi@awfs.org or (323) 215-0311) to explore ways to help!