More than 140 local high school students competed Friday in a hands-on challenge that showcased their skills in construction trades.

The SkillsUSA Region 6 Construction Competition gives students the chance to work on real-world projects, compete against their peers and explore the many career possibilities available in the construction industry. 

The event was hosted by the Arizona Builders Alliance, Pima JTED, and Tucson Unified School District’s Career and Technical Education department. 

The competition has grown over the years and showcases the skills of students ranging from freshmen to seniors in seven different trade categories: construction technology, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, cabinetry and team work. 

"The best part of the event is seeing the kids compete, enjoy the day, and understand the value of building something," said Mike Goodwin, a long-term committee member of Arizona Builders Alliance. "There’s something special about the satisfaction they feel when they complete their projects. It’s a feeling they’ll carry with them long after the competition ends." 

Pima JTED played a key role in bringing students to the competition at Catalina High School, with all of the student competitors enrolled in either JTED or career and technical education courses. 

One of the most popular competitions was masonry, which challenged students to build block walls and mix cement mortar. 

Josh Ronstadt, a Canyon Del Oro High School teacher and advisor for SkillsUSA, brought 38 middle school students on a field trip to observe the competition and build their own tool boxes.

"The district encourages students to attend events like this, so they can see what’s available in high school and beyond," said Ronstadt.

Evan Alvarez, a sophomore at Canyon Del Oro High School, has always been interested in construction and architecture. He got involved when he heard about the competition from one of his teachers.

“I want to jump right into construction or architecture once I graduate,” said Alvarez. 

Each of the seven categories is hosted by an industry partner that provides all of the plans and materials needed to compete.

Representatives from sponsors including Lloyd Construction, Building Excellence, and Barker Contracting were on site, offering students the chance to network and learn more about the industry.

All of these companies help connect students to potential job opportunities and provide insight into the careers available in construction, organizers said.

With a fast-growing interest by students in welding, organizers hope to add that category into next year's event, with a waiting list already started.

The top three winners received trade-specific tools and medals and will go on to compete in a statewide and then national  competition.

With scouts on hand to recruit future workers, industry partners rely on this event to inspire more students to pursue in-demand jobs within the field. 

The competition also gives students a chance to gain real-world experience that extends beyond the classroom and helps them develop the practical skills they need to thrive in the construction industry, whether they choose to go to college or go straight into the workforce after high school. 

“This event is a great way to attract talent to our industry and plant seeds for our next generation,” said Goodwin. 

Abbie Andrus is a University of Arizona alum and Tucson Spotlight reporter. Contact her at asandrus@arizona.edu.

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