UACCM Student Claims Silver in National Architectural Drafting Competition

Shamard Thomas, recent graduate of the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Technology program, took home silver in the nationals SkillsUSA competition for architectural drafting. 

The 2021 SkillsUSA Championships were held virtually from June 14-24, 2021. Over 3,700 students from every state in the nation competed in the Championships, making it the largest skill competition in the world. 

 “My initial introduction with SkillsUSA was during my 10th grade year of high school when I had just begun taking architecture and architectural design seriously,” said Thomas. “The organization was introduced to my fellow peers and I on the first day of our drafting class by our teacher, Randy Wiedmaier. After learning about the organization, what they represented, and what the competitions held for my trade, I was hooked.”

“Shamard was a wonderful student,” said Kristen Karetov, CADD Technology Instructor and SkillsUSA Club sponsor. She was thrilled knowing that this is the best placement that a UACCM student has ever achieved at the national competition. Karetov stated, “I knew that he was in the top nine because of an email we had received alerting us to his placement, but then on the night of the awards we learned he placed second. It was surreal. This award helped put the CADD Tech program on the map for UACCM. It let us know that we are doing something right with our students.”

Thomas contributes his success, in part, to his time at UACCM and help from his instructor: “UACCM gave me a place to learn, and hone in on my skills as a Designer and Drafter. This university was able to provide me the tools that I needed in order to become successful in my field of study, and be able to place second in the country among peers in my trade. My advisor, Mrs. Karetov, played a huge role in my success at the SkillsUSA competition and my success here at UACCM in general.”

More about SkillsUSA: 

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The association offers 107 competitive events that invite competitors to showcase their skills and tackle real-world problems. Students at UACCM can join the SkillsUSA Club and participate in competitions that align with their coursework and future occupation. Additionally, students that place first in a state SkillsUSA event receive a $1000 scholarship to UACCM. 

CADD Technology Program:

To learn more about the CADD Technology program at UACCM and the opportunities it can provide, visit http://www.uaccm.edu/academics/degree_prog/drt.html.