Creighton Friesen constructing a masonry project as part of the SkillsUSA National competition in Atlanta – courtesy photo
Heartland graduate Creighton Friesen attends Northeast Community College in Norfolk, where he is majoring in building construction. In April, he competed in the Nebraska State Skills competition in Grand Island and placed first in the masonry division, qualifying him for the national competition.
There were 18 students from Northeast Community College who also qualified to compete in the SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta last week. They competed in masonry, carpentry, architectural drafting, and TeamWorks. The TeamWorks competition includes two carpenters, an electrician, and a plumber who work together to build a small shed.
The competitions at the SkillsUSA Championships are created and judged by industry professionals to ensure that students are learning the real-world skills employers demand of entry-level professionals. These competitions represent some of the most highly skilled, in-demand areas of the skilled trades in the nation.
Creighton competed in the masonry division, which spotlights the industry’s finest masons and highlights careers in masonry. “Before my masonry project, I attended an orientation session where they gave instructions about the project. On the day of the competition, they gave me a plan, and I had to build a four-foot-tall wall out of concrete block and brick in six hours,” said Creighton.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to compete at SkillsUSA and walking around the convention center looking at the many vendor booths. It was fun to use the Lime scooters to sightsee around Atlanta in our free time and hang out with my friends who were at the competition,” said Creighton.
