GNTC preps for ‘March Madness’

The post-season is officially underway as schools across Georgia get ready to showcase the state’s top programs. One Peach State college that saw its run for a national championship fall short in 2016, hopes to bring home the hardware in 2017.

More than three dozen students from all six campuses of Georgia Northwestern Technical College will strap on their helmets and compete for the title “Number One In Georgia” in just five weeks. A capacity crowd is expected at the Georgia International Conference Center as Bobcat teams will be competing at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference March 23-25 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Although “March Madness” is a phrase most basketball enthusiasts are familiar with this time of year, the catchy nickname definitely applies to the third weekend in March. “We have 41 students competing in 25 professional skill categories,” said Missy McLain, GNTC SkillsUSA Coordinator. “We hope to see even more national qualifiers this time around.”

After taking top honors in the TeamWorks category at the state competition last year, GNTC’s TeamWorks crew placed third at the national event in Louisville, Kentucky. Well, the Bobcats will be sending another team in that category, as well as 24 other areas of expertise to the state competition next month.

The SkillsUSA TeamWorks category involves a construction project to be completed. It requires a team of four contestants to work together in reading blue prints and creating an action plan. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry skills are put to use during the project. From ordering the materials to be used to planning the completion of each phase of the job, judges looked closely at each team’s ability to work within building codes, jobsite safety and cleanliness, proper use and accountability of tools and equipment, and the overall efficiency of the team project. Barry Arrington and Bo Dooley, members of the 2016 team that placed nationally, will be on the team once again setting its sights for the 2017 crown.

Those earning top honors on the state level will earn a spot in the national competition at the 53rd National Leadership and Skills Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky the week of June 19-23.

For more information on Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s SkillsUSA program, call 866-983-4682.