Midlands Technical College students win gold in national skills competition

Students from the Midlands Technical College Building Construction Technology program won a gold medal at the SkillsUSA National Competition this past Friday night (pictures below).

This marks the first time that a South Carolina technical college has won a national title in the building trades. The SkillsUSA Championships are career-based competitions that showcase students who are excelling as they learn.

“I want to commend each of our students and the Building Construction Program Director Robbie Sharpe,” said MTC President Ronald Rhames. “We were thrilled to have won the state award earlier this Spring. To have now won a national award is even more impressive, especially considering this is Robbie’s first year as program director.”

The members of the MTC Building Construction Technology TeamWorks Team for 2022 were Taylor Mathias, Nathan Brady, Arturo Salinas, and Cameron Drake. Behind their gold, was a team from Georgia which took home silver and a team from Wisconsin which took on bronze. Additionally, Alex Britigan earned a bronze medal in the individual carpentry contest.

“Skilled trades are the foundation for all economic development, and we are so excited for our students to be recognized as the best in the nation,” said MTC Provost Barrie Kirk.

The MTC Foundation sends a special thank you to Mungo Homes, which donated $10,000 to cover the costs of the competition registration and trip to Atlanta for the competition.

“Mungo Homes is happy to support these young people as they embark on their journey in this great industry,” said Andy Evans, Mungo Homes Columbia Market Manager. “We could not be more proud of them winning this competition and what it means for their future success.”