Students at Fred W. Eberle Technical Center (FETC) put their technical skills to the test during the annual SkillsUSA Local Competition on Feb. 13, showcasing their knowledge across a range of trades while vying for a chance to advance to state and national levels.
The event, held on the FETC campus in Buckhannon, WV, challenged both high school and adult students in fields such as automotive technology, carpentry, collision repair, welding and electrical construction wiring. Competitors completed trade-specific tasks while being evaluated by industry professionals and advisory committee members.
“We brought in our business and industry partners, as well as our advisory committee members, to be the judges for each program’s contest,” said FETC Director Rebecca Bowers-Call. “Our partners get to see our students hard at work while showing their skills… They’re seeing the student’s thinking that happens behind building a wall, building a set of stairs, etc.”
SkillsUSA, a national organization, prepares students for careers in skilled trades by developing personal, workplace and technical skills. During the competition, FETC’s campus was filled with intense concentration as students tackled real-world tasks under time constraints. Business partners had the opportunity to assess students’ strengths and provide career insights.
“Business partners and our students can have one-on-one communication following the competition to see where the student’s interests, abilities, strengths and weaknesses are,” Bowers-Call said. “The SkillsUSA Local Competition is a great chance for businesses and students to collaborate and work toward the next steps of completing their programs.”
Following the day-long competition, students, families and instructors gathered at Buckhannon-Upshur High School to recognize top performers. First-place winners in each category will advance to the 2025 SkillsUSA WV State Leadership and Skills Conference on March 28-29, where FETC will serve as one of the competition venues for several programs, including Automotive Light Repair, Basic Residential Wiring, Industrial Motor Control and Welding I.
Students who excel at the state level will move on to the 2025 SkillsUSA National Championship, held June 23-27 in Atlanta, GA. At each stage, participants have the opportunity to win scholarships, job offers, tools and other career-advancing prizes.
The competition was supported by numerous industry partners, including major employers in electrical services, automotive repair, welding and construction. These connections help bridge the gap between technical education and industry needs, providing students with networking and career opportunities.
For a full list of winners and more updates on FETC student achievements, visit SkillsUSAWV.org or FETC's website.
