RICE LAKE, Wis.— Two students from Northwood Technical College competed at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held June 23–27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Isaiah Buck, of Turtle Lake, earned first place in cabinetmaking, and Braydon Ahlberg, of Rice Lake, placed sixth in carpentry. Both competed against 35 of the nation’s top students in their respective categories. The event drew participants from across the country, including as far away as Alaska and Puerto Rico, to compete in skilled trades and technical categories.
Ahlberg and Buck qualified for the national competition after earning first-place honors at the SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference in April.
“I had an amazing experience in Atlanta at nationals,” Ahlberg said. “The competition was challenging, but I felt prepared for it, and I had a great time.”
“Walking into SkillsUSA nationals was a big mystery. I had no clue of the competition I would be facing, the difficulty of the cabinet, and the time frame I had to do it,” Buck said. “Yet, when the day came and I received my plan, I did what I’ve always done. For eight hours, I focused on my skills and not those around me. And the next day, in the closing ceremonies, I stood on that stage, receiving a golden medal! I give all the credit to the Lord and to my amazing two program instructors, Mick Rosenow and Scott Theilig. It was a great week with its own ups and downs, and I hope I can make it there again next year!”
Scott Theilig, construction and cabinetmaking instructor at Northwood Tech, praised the students for their talent and professionalism.
“I have never been prouder of these two students. Their dedication and hard work truly paid off,” Theilig said. “To place first and sixth in the nation is something to be very proud of. They represented our Construction and Cabinetmaking program here at Northwood Tech at the highest level possible.”
Northwood Tech’s Construction and Cabinetmaking program offers students hands-on experience in high-demand trades and continues to prepare graduates for successful careers.
For more information about the Construction and Cabinetmaking program, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/Construction.
Isaiah Buck with his cabinetmaking competition project at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Braydon Ahlberg with his carpentry competition project at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Isaiah Buck with his gold medal from the cabinetmaking competition at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Isaiah Buck and Braydon Ahlberg at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
About Northwood Technical College
Northwood Technical College is a nationally top-ranked college and designated Silver 2025-26 Military Friendly® School that puts Students First. Northwood Tech serves the educational and career needs of approximately 14,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, Northwood Tech offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. Northwood Tech is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org). For more information, call 800.243.9482 or visit NorthwoodTech.edu.
Northwood Technical College is grateful for all its community partnerships. Your support of the Northwood Tech Foundation is essential to student success. For information on how to contribute, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/donate.
Northwood Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions or status in any group protected by state or local law in employment, admissions or its programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies: Amanda Gohde, AA/EEO Officer/Title IX Coordinator/Associate Vice President of Talent and Culture; 1900 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868; 715.645.7042; Wisconsin Relay System TTY:711; Amanda.Gohde@NorthwoodTech.edu.
Last Update: Jul 21, 2025 10:11 am CDT
