4.19 - SkillsUSA
The 2025 SkillsUSA National Architectural Drafting Competition is complete.
There were 17 post-secondary students registered, 15 competed.
There were 43 secondary students registered, and all 43 competed.
There were a few new items this year to celebrate.
There were 17 post-secondary students registered, 15 competed.
There were 43 secondary students registered, and all 43 competed.
There were a few new items this year to celebrate.
- All of the documentation (Orientation Handout, Written Test, Design Scope of Work, and Change Order) was in English and Spanish. We had a contestant from Puerto Rico.
- The written test was the AIBD's "Building Design Technician - Level 1" certificate exam. Approximately 80% of the students scored a passing grade, and as of yesterday, they were emailed their PDF certificate.
- The Catchbox microphone was a hit.
- We instituted a "Bonus Point" system. Beginning with my first mistake, ALL students were awarded a bonus point when they found my mistakes. Then I gave bonus points for behavior, such as 100% prompt attendance and timely cleanup.
All entries are posted at https://AIBD.org/SkillsUSA, with medalists identified.
We received several contributions during the week; however, I'll report on the donations in next month's report.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jimmy and Christy Parker from Huntsville, AL, for their invaluable support as on-site proctors and judges. A special thanks to David Ecenrode from Pennsylvania, who not only proctored but also managed the upload of all the projects. I’d also like to acknowledge Jie Dai, a new friend of AIBD from Chicago, IL, who is currently working toward earning her Green Card. Our event provided her with an opportunity to fulfill a volunteering requirement, and we are grateful for her contribution.
Last but not least, I thank the 13 volunteer judges, especially Aaron Michelle Platt-Baker and Robert Platt from Atlanta, who painstakingly went through all 58 of the hand-drawn and lettered submittals.
Next year's SkillsUSA will again be in Atlanta, but the dates have been moved up due to the World Cup.
Mark your calendars for Jun 1-5, 2026, with judging taking place from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on June 4th.
We received several contributions during the week; however, I'll report on the donations in next month's report.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jimmy and Christy Parker from Huntsville, AL, for their invaluable support as on-site proctors and judges. A special thanks to David Ecenrode from Pennsylvania, who not only proctored but also managed the upload of all the projects. I’d also like to acknowledge Jie Dai, a new friend of AIBD from Chicago, IL, who is currently working toward earning her Green Card. Our event provided her with an opportunity to fulfill a volunteering requirement, and we are grateful for her contribution.
Last but not least, I thank the 13 volunteer judges, especially Aaron Michelle Platt-Baker and Robert Platt from Atlanta, who painstakingly went through all 58 of the hand-drawn and lettered submittals.
Next year's SkillsUSA will again be in Atlanta, but the dates have been moved up due to the World Cup.
Mark your calendars for Jun 1-5, 2026, with judging taking place from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on June 4th.