PCTC had the opportunity to compete in the SkillsUSA electrical construction wiring competition for 2023. PCTC first had to compete at the district level to earn a spot at the state level with the top two contestants earning a spot to move on. Each technical center can send up to three students to compete at a district level. PCTC finished first, third, and fourth at the districts, earning a spot at the state competition.
Kyle Nicholson finished first place at districts earning PCTC a spot at the state competition. April 22nd was the state electrical construction wiring competition. This competition consisted of all the 1st and 2nd place district winners totaling eighteen students. The IBEW Local 26 host both district and state level competitions. Competitors arrived one day before the competition to register and then watch the SkillsUSA opening ceremony.
On Saturday, the students arrived at Virginia beach conference center to begin competing. This competition consists of two parts, the hands on and the NEC code test. First, the students do the hands on part with three hours to complete followed by the NEC code test portion for which one hour is allowed. The hands-on consists of a mock-up residential wall, including multiple circuits, three and four way switches, GFCI protected receptacles, as well as switched receptacles. After they complete both parts the judges from Local 26 will determine rankings, based on accuracy, safety, craftsmanship, splices, and code compliance. The following day, SkillsUSA had their awards ceremony at which PCTC's Kyle Nicholson placed second. This was a great opportunity and success for PCTC.
Congratulations to Kyle, his instructors, and Page County Technical Center for this great honor.
