In April 2024, SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org) held its annual California State Woodworking competition at the Chaffey High School woodworking shop, and Inland Woodworkers were there in full force to support the activities. There were two levels of competition: Introductory Woodworking and Cabinetmaking. There were 21 competitors in the Introductory Woodworking contest, 18 of whom were high school students, representing eleven California high schools. There were also three junior high students, all from the same middle school.
The contest objectives were to introduce students to a competitive environment using woodworking as a platform to learn and succeed, and to encourage students to pursue an interest in woodworking, with hopes of returning the following year to compete at a higher level. The students at this level were competing for trophies and name recognition. These beginners would be constructing a shelf with adjustable legs, using a half-lap swivel joint.
There were 19 competitors in the Cabinet Making contest. Their objective was to build a small night stand. The stakes for these challengers were high – the top finalist would represent California at the SkillsUSA National Championship this year in Atlanta.
Shop instructors throughout California have been preparing their students for this competition by teaching them shop safety, blueprint reading, handtool operations, and proper use of woodworking machinery. Now was the time for the students to demonstrate their proficiencies. On Friday afternoon, students attended the event orientation. They had the opportunity to ask questions and review the project plans, blue prints, and a bill of material. The students had all night to think about the project, and early Saturday morning, they assembled at Chaffey High School for the hands-on competition.
Each contestant entered the wood shop to drop off their hand tools and claim a work station. At 8am, the students received their lumber, along with a shop orientation. Competitions of this magnitude require a large support staff to assist students with machine safety and overall operations. Inland Woodworkers past president Kenneth Thomas led the Introductory contest, assisted by current IW President Mike Trejo. Also joining the Intro team were IW Vice President Rick Reimer (judge), IW CNC Trainer Chris Thomas (judge), and IW member RJ Monsima (proctor).
The Cabinetmaking contest was led by Saúl Martín, an avid supporter of IW and president of the Society of Wood Manufacturing (SWM) (https://www.awfs.org/education/swm/). Assisting with the Cabinetmaking competition were IW Secretary Michael Miller, who served as a judge, and club members Ron Chappell, John Hogancamp, and Matt Martel, who served as proctors.
Leaders, judges, and proctors monitored the day’s activities to ensure safety compliance and assist students as necessary. We were pleased to report that no safety violations were cited and no injuries occurred!
Many of the students completed their projects during the working session. For those who didn’t, they took home all of the parts and will finish the assembly with help from family, friends, and shop instructors. Each participant will have a reminder of the day’s activities for many years to come.
On Sunday, April 7, the woodworking students, their families, teachers, and supporters, joined with other SkillsUSA competitors for an awards ceremony held at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. The crowd began filling the arena at 7:30 am.
And soon after, the entire arena was packed.
Congratulations to this year’s competitors.
Each is a winner and well positioned to be a future leader.
