Apprentices put their trade skills to the test

CBS 58

WEST BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The sound of hands at work filled a building at the Washington County Fair Park in West Bend Friday, Dec. 5.

Dozens of apprentices worked on projects for a skills competition run by associated builders and contractors.

The apprentices worked in four categories, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and HVAC.

A group of high school students watched the workers; they were invited with an eye toward a possible future in the building trades.

"We're finding a major growth in our apprenticeship program over the last four years. And it's because high school students are getting a taste of it," said Kelly Tourdot, president ABC of Wisconsin. " They don't want to sit behind a desk, they want to do hands on, and this is just a way for them to taste out."

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