SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. Morris Black has taken an active interest in vocational training by sponsoring the local SkillsUSA Cabinetmaking Contest for the past 7 years.

This years contest, held January 31st at the Allentown Fairgrounds, featured over 500 students competing in 29 fields of expertise. This district competition included students from the Lehigh County Vocational-Technical Institute, Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School, and other area high schools.
 
The Morris Black team served as supervisors, observers and judges for the students. Ken Andrew, Morris Black’s Installation Supervisor,  headed the Morris Black team, aided by Tim Zappe (current Project Manager and former kitchen installer), Joe Christiano (commercial casework estimator) and Mark Maskornic (former Morris Black employee and current owner of Mark’s Carpentry).

The project was a 19” x 24” x 14” wall cabinet with a fixed shelf, door and crown molding.  The students were given the plans, and created a cut list, cut, assembled and finished the cabinet. To create the cabinet, they need to understand how to safely and skillfully use tools such as a table saw, clamps, chisels, files, utility knifes and sanding blocks.  They were judged on safety, accuracy, tool usage and fit and finish.

Other competitions included automotive service, building maintenance, cosmetology, food and beverage services, electronics, HVAC, masonry, welding, and many others.

Bob Black, Vice President of Morris Black, serves on the Lehigh Valley Skills USA Council Board of Directors. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.