Future Craftsmen enthused by career options in construction
From drafting to electrical to machining, the winners of the 2025 BC&E Foundation Future Craftsman and Design Awards see exciting career possibilities in the construction industry. All part of the Carroll County Career and Technology Center (CCCTC), these seniors are a perfect example of the kind of up and comers this industry is looking for.
Jon Adcock
Drafting
Francis Scott Key High School
A member of the National Honors Society and an A+ student in the Carroll County Career and Technology Center (CCCTC) Drafting program, John Adcock is beginning to see how his long fascination with design and architecture can translate into careers.
The CCCTC program “embraces today’s blend of traditional and digital learning to support career aspirations for all individuals in the program,” said Cathy Lee Frock, Drafting Instructor.
Adcock has “demonstrated a strong aptitude for design and technical precision,” said Susan Hopkins, CCCTC Assistant Principal.
Students learn AutoCAD, Revit and other programs, as well as the fundamentals of drafting. They also work with students from other CCCTC construction programs in hands-on projects, such as the construction of custom-designed tiny houses.
“My favorite activity that I have done has definitely been a house plan,” Adcock said. “There is so much to do with those. We did a site plan, an elevation. It really shows the potential and work that goes into drafting.”
After graduation, Adcock plans to complete a degree in architecture, civil engineering or another drafting-related field. He is also looking to intern with a civil engineering company.
Gunnar Davis
Electrical
Winters Mill High School
A senior at Winters Mill High School and CCCTC, Gunnar Davis has already developed passion and respect for electrical construction.
At CCCTC, “the most enjoyable part of the program is getting hands-on experience with real-world projects,” Davis said. “I have worked on all aspects of residential house wiring and wired an entire single-family home in a simulated shop environment. I enjoyed being responsible for laying out electrical circuits following building codes.”
A good student academically, Davis has developed “a strong understanding of both theoretical and practical concepts,” said Mike Blizzard, CCCTC Electrical Instructor. “His attention to detail and dedication to producing high-quality results is evident in every shop project he completes.”
Davis also shares his enthusiasm for electrical work by helping classmates and participating in 8th Grade Tours at CCCTC.
“I help introduce prospective students to the electrical construction program,” he said. “I demonstrate projects, guide students through simple, hands-on activities and answer their questions.”
After graduation, Davis plans to complete a four-year apprenticeship with an electrical contractor, gain journeyman status and “obtain a degree in business to allow me the possibility of running my own electrical company one day.”
Levi Phelps
Applied Mechanical Engineering
South Carroll High School
The sheer variety of experiences in CCCTC’s Applied Mechanical Engineering program captured Levi Phelps’ imagination.
“What drew me to this program is all the different skills you learn,” said Phelps, who has learned to operate lathes, mills, welding machines and other tools.
Phelps has already applied those skills to build oyster reef balls to support Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, repair a hay baler for a teacher, and fabricate a block-off plate for CCCTC’s Heavy Equipment and Truck Technology program. He is also working towards Eagle Scout status by leading construction projects at a local church.
“Levi is an incredibly well-rounded and driven individual with an excellent work ethic,” said Alison Kidwell, Career Resource Coordinator and SkillsUSA Advisor at CCCTC. “He is one of the go-to students in his program – always willing to lend a hand, take initiative and support his peers. He maintains a 3.6 GPA while balancing multiple jobs at Food Lion and several local farms.”
“After school, I plan to pursue a career in either machining or welding,” Phelps said. “To gain hands-on experience and determine the best path for me, I am looking for a job or internship.”
