Trade school winner at Channellock

Channellock announced its fourth annual Trade School Trade-Up competition winner, Southern Hills Career and Technical Center, for their commitment to supporting the skilled trades sector.

“The Channellock Trade School Trade-Up competition not only helps to close the nation’s growing skills gap but also motivates students to give back to their community and take pride in their future craft,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing for Channellock, Inc.

The Channellock Trade School Trade-Up competition seeks to help close the nation’s skills gap by funding initiatives and tools that will positively impact America’s future tradespeople.

Each year, the competition awards a trade school program that demonstrates hard work, innovation and the passion for getting the job done right with a $5,000 cash prize, a full assortment of Channellock tools and a classroom makeover.

“We are very excited to announce Southern Hills Career and Technical Center, a SkillsUSA-affiliated school, as our 2021 winner,” said DeArment.

Kevin Kratzer, superintendent of Southern Hills Career and Technical Center, said the school’s welding program teaches students skills that they can apply in any career. Many of his welding students already have jobs lined up after they graduate.

“The most important things we teach our students aside from welding are critical soft skills, like showing up on time, putting your cell phone away when it’s time to work and thinking on your feet,” said Kratzer.

“Winning this competition was a fantastic opportunity to give our welding program some much-deserved recognition and resources,” said Kratzer.

Students in plumbing, HVAC, welding, automotive and electrical trades are encouraged to enter.

Founded in 1886, Meadville, Pennsylvania-based Channellock manufactures pliers and employs more than 350 dedicated associates.