SkillsUSA event highlights workforce development at Catalina High School

• 150+ students competed, up from 140+ last year in expanded regional competition
• Hands-on demonstrations addressed the workforce shortage
• Seven construction trade categories judged by industry professionals

TUCSON, Ariz. (February 20, 2026) – The Arizona Builders Alliance, a leading trade association for commercial contractors, partnered with SkillsUSA Region 6 for its annual Construction Competition showcasing over 150 Southern Arizona high school students on Thursday, February 20, at Catalina High School in Tucson. From 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., student builders put their construction skills to the test across seven trade categories, with industry professionals serving as judges.

Wearing hard hats and full safety gear, students demonstrated their abilities in plumbing, wall construction, cabinet making, and electrical wiring. The competition allowed participants to showcase skills learned through school programs while competing for recognition from construction professionals who serve as judges and mentors.

Top-ranking competitors from each category will advance to the state leadership and skills conference, where they compete against students from across Arizona. The regional qualifier format ensures the most skilled participants represent Southern Arizona at the state level.

“These students are among the best in Tucson, and prove that construction careers offer pathways to success, and events like this change perceptions about trade work among families and communities,” said Gilbert Maldonado, Program Manager, Arizona Builders Alliance. “It’s getting larger every year which shows the importance of supporting vocational education that meets Arizona’s workforce needs.”

This year’s expanded competition draws students exclusively from Southern Arizona schools, addressing the construction sector’s ongoing labor shortage while creating direct pathways between education and industry careers. The event showcased growing interest in trade careers among the younger generation and provided networking opportunities with construction professionals.

“These students represent the future of Arizona’s construction industry, and their passion for building careers is exactly what our state needs,” said Kim Davids, President, Arizona Builders Alliance. “When we see 150 young people mastering complex trades and competing at this level, we’re witnessing the solution to our workforce challenges come to life.”

The ABA continues its commitment to workforce development through educational partnerships that benefit students, schools, and the broader construction community. The organization strengthens connections between Southern Arizona schools and the construction industry while providing students with exposure to career opportunities.