But the carpentry contest is gaining special interest this year because of the massive amount of statewide construction activity. It has also drawn the interest of Garfield Garner, regional director, Bureau Apprenticeship, Training and Employer Labor Services with the United States Department of Labor. Garner will be on hand Thursday during the awards ceremony to recognize registered apprentice awareness month. North Carolina, for instance, now has more than 800 occupations that include apprenticeship training, ranging from fire fighting and journalism to computer networking and carpentry. Thursday's contest will draw 25 carpentry apprentices.
Apprentices receive a salary increase every six months as they progress through the program.
There are several photo possibilities during the contest. An awards ceremony will follow at 3 p.m.