Coffeyville, KS — Coffeyville Community College’s Technical Campus celebrated a strong showing at the Kansas SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, highlighted by two Construction Technology students earning top placements in their first year of competition.
Representing the Construction Technology program under instructor Clint West, Rylan Allen of Neodesha captured first place and a gold medal in the individual carpentry competition. Fellow student Isaiah Webster of Caney Valley High School earned second place and a silver medal.
Allen’s first-place finish qualifies him to represent Kansas at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, scheduled for June 1-5 in Atlanta, Georgia.
SkillsUSA Kansas empowers Career and Technical Education (CTE) students through industry-driven competitions to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community leaders. The organization provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their technical abilities while developing leadership and workplace skills.
The individual carpentry contest challenged students to build a framed structure based on plans provided shortly before the competition began. Competitors were evaluated on measurements, accuracy, craftsmanship, safety, and a written knowledge assessment.
Allen scored 1,006 points out of 1,050 possible points, while Webster finished with 976 points, demonstrating the high level of preparation and skill developed through the Coffeyville Construction Technology program.
In addition to the student honors, Coffeyville Community College also received the SkillsUSA Quality Chapter Award, earning bronze recognition for growth and increased participation in SkillsUSA activities.
“It was exciting to hear of our success within the first year of participating. Clint has prepared the students well; we look forward to representing Coffeyville at the national competition,” said Heather Pollet, Vice President for Career & Technical Education.
Allen said the experience has helped open doors for his future career plans. "I got my foot in the door with Crossland by doing an internship this summer,” Allen said. “I want to continue to be in the construction and carpentry industry. I do enjoy it, and it would be nice to be a contractor someday.”
The success reflects the hands-on training opportunities available through Coffeyville Community College, where students gain real-world experience and prepare for in-demand careers in skilled trades such as Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology, Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Electrical Technology, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Machining & Manufacturing Technology, Plumbing Technology, and Welding Technology. Other in-demand career opportunities with Coffeyville Community College include Associate Degree Nurse, Certified Nurse Aide, Certified Medication Aide, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Science, Medical Assistant, Paramedic, Phlebotomy, and Practical Nursing.
With state medals now in hand and a national competition ahead, the future is bright for Coffeyville Community College Technical Campus students as they continue building successful careers in the trades.