Student Excellence,Practical Experience
Clarkston Construction Technology students excel in national competitions while gaining hands-on experience through meaningful community projects.
Building Excellence: National Competition Success
Our students test their skills against the nation's best at SkillsUSA Championships, earning recognition while developing career-ready expertise that sets them apart.
2024 Achievements
- Michigan State Champions in Team Build competition
- Placed 13th nationally at the SkillsUSA National Championship
- Team competed in carpentry, electrical, plumbing & masonry challenges
2025 Success
- Silver medal (2nd in state) in Team Build competition
- Team members: Brendan Verbeke, Austin Godfrey, Jon George, Duncan Ruby
The Competition
SkillsUSA Championships is America's premier showcase of skilled trades excellence, featuring:
- 6,700+ competitors from across the United States
- 114 skilled trade and leadership competitions
- Held in Atlanta, Georgia on 1.79 million square feet (31 football fields)
- Annual event each June, with qualifying rounds starting at local levels
Benefits to Students
Career Readiness
Technical, personal, and workplace skills directly applicable to industry needs
Industry Connections
Direct networking with potential employers and industry professionals
Scholarships & Recognition
Opportunities for scholarships up to $5,000 and industry certifications
Real-World Experience
Performing under pressure with industry-created challenges
"Being able to look at a blueprint and see that unbuilt house in front of you is just an unreal experience."
Individual Achievement
Brendan Verbeke won gold at State Championships and competed nationally as a sophomore against mostly seniors in the "carpentry olympics."
By 2030, Michigan will have 520,000+ skilled trades jobs with 45,500 annual openings. Our competition program is building the workforce that will fill this critical gap.
Past Community Projects
Community construction projects our students have completed or are currently working on
Bailey House Historic Restoration
Students transformed a condemned 1878 T-plan farmhouse from demolition candidate to beautiful family home, mastering historic preservation techniques while saving irreplaceable architectural heritage.
Skills Students Learned:
Skills Students Are Learning:
Sashabaw Presbyterian Church Restoration
Students are transforming a historic 1855 church into a vibrant community center, learning traditional construction and restoration techniques while preserving one of Clarkston's oldest buildings.
Community Impact
Measuring the impact of student-led community projects
Project Process
Our structured approach to community construction projects
Local organizations, families, or institutions approach us with construction needs that align with our educational goals.
Students work with licensed professionals to create detailed plans, obtain permits, and prepare comprehensive project timelines.
Students execute the project under expert supervision, learning multiple trades while maintaining professional quality standards.
Completed projects serve the community for years to come while students gain real-world experience and professional references.
Support Our Students or Propose a Project
Whether you'd like to support our SkillsUSA competition teams or have a community construction project in mind, we'd love to connect with you to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Project Requirements: Must provide educational value, serve community needs, and meet safety standards for student participation.