SkillsUSA CA 2017 State Woodworking Contests

2017 State Cabinetmaking & Introductory Woodworking Contests

held Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Town & Country Resort, San Diego, California

Photos from the 2017 SkillsUSA CA State woodworking contests:

Cabinetmaking contest photos

Introductory Woodworking contest photos

See the scores and which students will be advancing to Nationals (Cabinetmaking only):

SkillsUSA CA 2017 State Cabinetmaking Scores (PDF)
SkillsUSA CA 2017 State Introductory Woodworking Scores (PDF)

Congratulations to the medalists and all competitors!

Official AWFS press release about the event. (PDF version here)

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

If you have any questions or would like to learn how to get involved, contact AWFS Education Director, Tovi Spero: tovi@awfs.org

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

• Blum, Inc. (hinges and TANDEMS drawer slides)
• Colonial Saw/Lamello (ZETA tool loan and TENSO mechanical fasteners donation)
• Decore-ative Specialties (sample cabinet doors and drawer fronts)
• ESI (Edgebanding Services Inc.) (edgebanding)
• GREX tools (GREX guns with nail guide loan)
• Hafele (metal legs, USB grommets, levelers)
• Kemp Hardware (decorative knobs, cabinet hinge lights)
• Royal Plywood (all material for woodworking contests)
• West-wood Products (pre-grooved drawer sides)
• Crown Ace Hardware (Encinitas, CA) for the donation of PRIZES for 2017 State Cabinetmaking and Introductory Woodworking Medalists

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
• Todd Aston, Wood by Aston – Cabinetmaking Judge
• Matt Lundahl, Quality Cabinets & Fixtures Co – Cabinetmaking Judge
• Tim Vallez, Expression in Wood – Cabinetmaking Judge
• Dan Heck, San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association (SDFWA) – Cabinetmaking Support
• Gary Riley, Blum, Inc. – Cabinetmaking Support
• Paul Fiala, Custom Cabinetmaker – Cabinetmaking Support
• Roy Castillo, San Jacinto High School – Introductory Woodworking Contest Coordinator
• Chance Coalter, Palomar College Cabinet & Furniture Technology Program – Introductory Woodworking Judge
• Joshua Torbick, Helvey Design Studio – Introductory Woodworking Judge
• Randy Zubieta, Palomar College Cabinet & Furniture Technology Program – Introductory Woodworking Judge
• Cameron Helvey, Helvey Design Studio – Introductory Woodworking Support
• Imelda Torres – Overall Contest Support and Photography

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 Ontario in April), and those who receive top scores at State will be invited 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 contest has ended, SkillsUSA is always seeking industry support and involvement at the local, state and national level, and it’s never too early to start planning for next year! Assistance as a volunteer or donations of tools, supplies or materials are appreciated. Contact Tovi Spero (tovi@awfs.org) to explore ways to help!