Bradley County High School CTE students recently competed at SkillsUSA. An organization dedicated to showcasing technical skills in teens all across the nation. Jacob Garrett, a junior at BCHS, competed and earned the gold distinction in the CNC Milling Specialist event.

Garrett took six weeks to prepare for the competition by learning and practicing G-Codes that are used to control the electronic milking machinery. When asked about Skills USA and his favorite aspect of the organization, Garrett says, “I appreciate how all of the people there are dedicated to their events and the effort they put in.”

Garrett is also a self-taught blacksmith. His interest in the skill set began in seventh grade when he watched an ant hill be cast for the first time. After he began studying the trade, Garrett and his brother crafted their own home shop. Through this pastime, he has realized a possible career opportunity stating, “I really like being able to design my own parts and pieces, and the freedom to try new things.”

BCHS is very proud of Garrett and his classmates in the vocational and technical classes. Garrett and so many others are working hard to secure not only their futures but also the future of Cleveland.