Garrett Baumgartner, a student at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) in the Carpentry program, recently placed eighth in the national SkillsUSA Championships. The competition took place at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held June 20-24 in Atlanta.

Garrett Baumgartner and Pam Kenawell

Baumgartner, who is a rising senior at Altoona High School, was one of 44 qualifiers in the day-long competition. Competitors were tasked with building a frame, deck, roof, and stairs for a small house, as well as the installation of a window.

“I couldn’t be happier to see what this organization has to offer, and it truly was great to see how many other people have the same passion for the same trade that I do. The competition was a great experience for me,” Baumgartner said. “Overall I am very happy that I was able to come and will definitely be back next year!”

SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 members every year enrolled in trade, technical, and skilled service training programs across the country. The annual SkillsUSA Championships features 107 hands-on skill and leadership competitions.

To qualify for the national competition, Baumgartner first had to excel at district and state levels.

“I am so proud of Garrett and his accomplishments –not only that week but since districts. It takes a lot of courage to try something new,” said Pam Kenawell, SkillsUSA advisor for the GACTC. “To be a national competitor is something in itself to be proud of, but to also place 8th in the nation! He worked hard and it showed.”