ILWACO — Eight students dueled it out at Ilwaco High School on Jan. 31 for the chance to advance to the state SkillsUSA competition later this spring, but it was the post-high school professional opportunities that had the instructors and local contractors in attendance most excited.

The Southwest Washington SkillsUSA Electrical Construction Wiring Contest featured four students each from IHS and Hudson’s Bay High School, located in Vancouver. After four hours, five students ended up qualifying for the state conference in March, giving them the chance to compete for a spot in this June’s national contest in Atlanta.

IHS junior Keith Clarson finished second among the eight competitors, punching his ticket to state. He was sandwiched in the standings between Hudson’s Bay students Taylor Coles and Liam Nash, who finished first and third, respectively. IHS freshman Mason Humphreys came in fourth with senior Christian Weidner finishing fifth, both advancing to state, while fellow classmate Wade Smith came in sixth and earned a spot as an alternate. Hudson’s Bay’s Alice Huskins and Joshua Zamorano rounded out the field.

“We had a big cohort that graduated last year, so these are kind of fresh faces for Ilwaco,” said CTE teacher and SkillsUSA advisor Steve Blasko of the four IHS students participating in the competition.

Each student was tasked with wiring three circuits — lighting, 120-volt and 240-volt circuits — in accordance with plans provided to them, according to Blasko. Judges observed their work throughout the day, with final scores being awarded at the end of the contest. Students were judged on their ability to follow their plans, running the correct wire for the right amperage and circuit, the neatness of their work, and the functionality of the circuit.

Students from La Center and Hockinson high schools were also in attendance, learning introductory wiring skills and receiving professional guidance with an eye toward competing in future contests. “This might be some of their first experience working with electrical,” said Blasko.

“We try to have this be a learning experience for the students rather than focusing on the competition aspect,” said Blasko. “While at state it is pretty competitive and you’re trying to place, we’re trying to make [this regional contest] more educational and want students to feel supported and want them to feel like they’re learning.”

A team effort

IHS has hosted this contest for several years, with logistical support and sponsorship from the likes of the peninsula’s own Ford Electric, Columbia Electric Supply in Aberdeen, Platt Electric Supply, and Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC — a registered apprenticeship program based in Portland that educates electrical apprentices, contractors and journey level workers.

Also on hand was Jon Girod of Quail Homes, a Clark County home builder, who also runs Careers in Construction, a nonprofit that invests thousands of dollars each year into trade programs throughout Southwest Washington schools. Prizes were given away to contest participants, including tools, materials and equipment to help support their continued pursuit of learning in the trades.

Blasko credited Ford Electric for helping put on the event each year, saying they provide the plans that the students work from as well as needed supplies and materials. He singled out Ford Electric part-owner C.J. Hawkinson in particular, who was on hand at the contest and serving as one of the judges.

For Hawkinson and Ford Electric, supporting the trades and STEM education is a no-brainer; the company has hired IHS students involved in these programs in the past, and as Hawkinson notes, “electricians are hard to come by, especially in our area.”

He recalled a stat that about half of all electricians in Washington are within 10 or so years of retiring. Being able to replenish such a critical workforce is vital for both companies and consumers, Hawkinson said, adding that worker shortages are one reason why electricians might charge so much more for their services.

“To get kids interested in this is really important,” Hawkinson said, “to get them to want to join the trades.”