The hard work of area students is paying off with more than just good grades.

More than 25 area sheet metal apprentices are bringing their talents to Northcentral Technical College, to see whose skills are at the top of the class.

"This competition is for our apprentices at Local Union 18," says Bill Overbeck, the Apprentice Instructor, "All the tech schools in Northcentral Wisconsin are competing here today."

"It's their mid-term grade also," says Eric Owen, a judge, "Some take it more seriously than others"... "The cream rises to the top."

The apprentices are tested in skill areas like fabrication and drafting, and for the two students that rise above the rest, the reward is a trip to Las Vegas to compete at nationals.

Former student Eric Owen was one of the lucky few who made it that far, after spending most of his free time practicing.

"It was pretty much a whole semester of school that I was preparing for that instead of my normal school work," says Owen.

The competition is held each year for all 4 levels of apprentices.

Instructors say the most rewarding part for them is watching their students progress throughout their apprenticeships.

"When you get into a little more difficult fittings, its good to see them grow as their skills improve," says Overbeck.

After the students' apprenticeship, they'll be capable of installing anything from heating and air conditioning ducts to furnaces in your home.