MEADVILLE, Penn. — Now in its third year, Channellock Inc.’s Trade School Trade-Up Competition continues to help close the national skills gap by funding initiatives and tools that will largely impact America’s future tradesmen and women. This year will be the largest year ever for the event, as Channellock will now sponsor two competitions — one in the spring and the other in the fall. In addition, the company is launching its Trade Travelers tour this spring.

“In light of the growing skills gap, it is important that we find passionate, hardworking students in our younger generations to join skilled trades,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing for Channellock Inc. “This unique competition offers students the opportunity to showcase the value of their education as they train for their future careers.”

How to Enter

If you’re a student in plumbing, HVAC, welding, automotive, or electrical trades, you are eligible to participate. This year, the challenge is simple: show why your program deserves a classroom makeover. To submit an entry, get a group together to create a short film showcasing your team’s skills in action. You’ll be graded on passion, content and need. Check out last year’s first-place winner for inspiration.

Important Dates

Jan. 2: Submission period begins

Feb. 12: Submission due date

Feb. 19: Top three announced

Feb. 20-22: Voting through Facebook

Feb. 23: Winners announced

What Could You Win?

1st Place: $5,000 cash prize, Channellock tools for team members and classroom, a classroom makeover with Channellock Blue^® wall paint and fatheads 

2nd Place: $2,500 cash prize, Channellock tools for all team members and their classroom

3rd Place: $1,000 cash prize, Channellock tools for all team members and their classroom

Learn more about the competition and how to enter by visiting here.

Trade Travelers Tour

Also new in 2020, Channellock will kick off its first ever Trade Travelers Tour, embarking on a journey to visit top trade schools across the country. The tour will begin in Channellock’s hometown of Meadville, Pennsylvania, at the Crawford County Career and Technical Center, then travel to leading trade schools across the country, ending with a grand finale celebration at the spring Trade School Trade-Up winner’s school.

“During our Trade Travelers Tour, we’ll be giving away special Channellock tool sets to up and coming tradesmen and women,” DeArment added. “In addition, we’ll also be sponsoring educational opportunities with Channellock pros, where students can learn from seasoned experts in their chosen trade.”

Submit a press release here!