MIDLAND, MI — The Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA) is preparing to showcase the region’s emerging trades talent as it hosts its annual local craft competition on Monday, Dec. 1. The event, held at GMCA’s training facility at 7730 W. Wackely St. in Midland, is free and open to the public, offering a close-up look at the future workforce powering Michigan’s construction industry.
This year, ten GMCA students will go head-to-head in four trades crucial to the state’s construction pipeline: electrical, carpentry, HVAC, and pipefitting. Each participant will compete not only for top local honors but also for the opportunity to advance to the prestigious ABC National Craft Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah — one of the most respected and challenging competitions in the industry.
The event format mirrors real-world jobsite pressures. Competitors will first complete a one-hour written test, followed by a three-hour hands-on performance project, where their technical abilities will be put to the test. Judges will score students across a detailed set of criteria, including safety practices, craftsmanship, project layout, material use, assembly methods, sequencing, ability to interpret instructions, deadlines, and overall precision.
Beyond the competition itself, the event highlights the growing importance of skilled trades at a time when construction labor shortages continue nationally.
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Michelle Fairchild, GMCA’s director of admissions and placement, emphasized both the talent on display and the academy’s mission, noting, “GMCA provides students with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate skills in their chosen trade. We invite the community to join us in supporting these talented tradespeople as they compete for the chance to advance to the national level.”
Winners from the Midland competition will move on to join more than 200 competitors at the ABC National Craft Championships, where top performers nationwide will demonstrate expertise, problem-solving and safety standards under timed conditions.
This year’s local event is supported by several industry sponsors, including G.E. Insulation, Three Rivers Corp., Valley Electrical Contractors, and Milwaukee Tools, underscoring the strong partnership between Michigan’s construction employers and technical training institutions.
Spectators attending the event can expect an inside look at what it takes to build a career in the trades—from technical skill to attention to detail, teamwork, and jobsite readiness. For many participants, it also serves as a major stepping stone toward apprenticeships, advanced certifications and full-time employment in Michigan’s construction sector.
More details on the national competition can be found at ABC’s National Craft Championships website.
Originally reported by Advance Local Express Desk in MLive.
