Held annually, the SkillsUSA Championships are a proving grounds for young competitors looking to test and showcase their vocational and building trades skills. Held at the 2018 National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, June 25 to 29, the event also serves as a qualifier for the WorldSkills International competition.

Partnering with SkillsUSA at this event, Fine Homebuilding’s #KeepCraftAlive initiative is presenting $70,000 in scholarships here on June 28. Click here for more information on the scholarship program.

And check out the Instagram posts below for a look at the competition in Louisville.

And they’re off! Construction trades competition is well underway at Skills USA 2018 in Louisville. Good luck, competitors! #KeepCraftAlive #finehomebuilding #skillsusa #skillsusanationals2018

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 5:55am PDT

Masons are at it at Skills USA Nationals in Louisville. Lots of female competitors in this year’s field … this is just a handful of them. #keepcraftalive #finehomebuilding #skillsusa #skillsusa2018 #skillsusanationals

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 6:16am PDT

Electricians are already deep into their projects at Skills USA Nationals. Wiring, EMT, panels, lights, switches, receptacles, 3-ways … do it all fast and neat. Wonder what @cnc_electric thinks about all this? #keepcraftalive #finehomebuilding #skillsusa #skillsusa2018 #skillsusanationals

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 6:58am PDT

Look who’s back – Ariel Acosta was the only female electrical competitor at last year’s #skillsusa, but she’s joined by two others this year. Great to see the trade’s demographic makeup diversifying as this next generation helps #keepcraftalive! #finehomebuilding #skillsusanationals

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 7:13am PDT

Plumbing competition at Skills USA Nationals has some cool tools. Cutting pipe this way makes it look easy, and kind of fun. #skillsusa #skillsusanationals #keepcraftalive #finehomebuilding

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 7:39am PDT

The pressure of the camera can make a solid plumber’s hands shaky. Still looks like a clean joint! #keepcraftalive #skillsusa #plumbing #skillsusanationals #skillsusa2018

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 7:44am PDT

The heat is on at the carpentry competition at #skillsusa2018. Some competitors blowing right through it, already on to siding; others still framing. Some of these younguns have some serious skills to bring to the table. #keepcraftalive #finehomebuilding #skillsusa

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 8:23am PDT

Some of the machines the competitors get to use at #skillsusanationals would make a pro jealous. Check out this Homag edge bander at the cabinetry competition. Thing is about the size of a car, and they popped the hood so we could see its guts in action. So easy, it almost seems like cheating. #keepcraftalive #finehomebuiding #finewoodworking #skillsusa

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 9:13am PDT

Quick pass through the #skillsusanationals cabinetmaking competition. Two guys here are competing for a spot to go to worlds, but competition all around seems fierce. #keepcraftalive #skillsusa2018 #finehomebuilding #finewoodworking

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 9:20am PDT

This kid is done with his carpentry project and packing up while judges check his handiwork; meanwhile, others haven’t finished siding or sheathing at the #skillsusanationals 2018. Gotta say, without looking at the plans to know what it’s supposed to look like, looks like he did pretty well. #keepcraftalive #finehomebuilding #skillsusa #skillsusa2018 #carpentry

A post shared by Fine Homebuilding Magazine (@finehomebuilding) on Jun 28, 2018 at 11:10am PDT

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Stabila Classic Level Set

Plumb and level are the hallmarks of good craftsmanship, so having a complete set of professional levels on the job is crucial to success.

Buy at Amazon

Anchor Bolt Marker

Quickly transfer anchor bolt locations to mud sill stock without measuring mistakes.

Buy at Amazon

QuikDrive PRO300s

Whether you're installing floor sheathing or decking, this tool will keep the installer upright, putting less stress on workers while saving time and energy.

Buy at Amazon