But the 15-year-old isn't a construction worker -- at least not yet.

He's one of about 40 students from the Frederick County Career and Technology Center who will be competing in the 29th annual Builder Olympics -- construction contests at the Frederick County Builders Association Home Show -- at the Frederick Fairgrounds.

The Brunswick High School sophomore is a first-year carpentry student at the center.

"I took woodworking at my home high school and I liked it, but I wanted to do more construction-type work, so I decided to enroll at the CTC," Tim said. "I think our teams will do really well -- it should be fun."

He's been practicing on weekends and after school to learn how to combine his woodworking talent with plumbing, masonry and other skills he'll need for the competition.

Now he's ready to find out who's the best.

Frank Taylor, a carpentry instructor at the center, helps his students prepare for the competition.

He spent more than 40 hours every month on Thursdays and Saturdays showing his students ways to win the contest.

"It motivates the youth and gets them excited about learning through competition," he said. "It'll be a good test for them. When they get those blueprints and start to put their project together, they'll find out what they remember and what they need to practice."

Student carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, and landscapers will be judged on their speed in completing a sample project. The quality of the final product also will be judged.

Winning teams in each trade will be awarded a trophy, while all students, instructors and judges will be invited to an awards ceremony and social event later in the spring.

Since the competition started in 1978, more than 1,500 students have competed.

Professionals in the industry design the projects, donate material and judge the competitions.

They also serve as mentors.

"The judges recognize where the students are at in their educational level," Taylor said. "They take this opportunity to teach them as well as judge them, point out their strengths and if they get stuck, they help the students through that problem."

On Sunday, other students will compete in the SkillsUSA Teamworks national construction competition.

The contest challenges a team of four to build a structure, often a bathroom, from scratch. They combine their talents to construct a masonry foundation, frame walls, lay plumbing, run electric lines, install fixtures and hang drywall.

"They do a construction project from start to finish," Taylor said. "It's important because it mirrors exactly what they'd have to do on a job site."

The students spend time during and after class training in other construction disciplines to expand on the skills that could help them land a job.

Taylor said the contest is more than winning. The competitions give students a challenging hands-on experience that instills in them a sense of pride in construction technology.

But the competition also has a practical goal.

Contestants sharpen their skills while they develop a standard of excellence in craftsmanship.

Event organizers hope the contest will encourage more young people to consider a career in the construction trades.

"There is such a shortage in the industry, we're doing anything we can do to encourage young people in the industry," Taylor said. "The kids learning these skills now will be in high demand."

By 2012, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts the construction industry will need more than 1.2 million new workers. Construction, with about 7 million wage and salary jobs and 1.9 million self-employed and unpaid family workers, was one of the nation's largest industries in 2004.

As students enter the workforce, they add to the pool of trained construction craftsmen.

"I hope they come away smarter in their area of training and recognizing the opportunities to get into the construction industry," Taylor said. "I hope they come away with recognition of their accomplishments."

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.