Alcoa supports National Skills Competition.

SIDNEY, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 5, 1996--Members of the next generation of skilled carpenters recently had an opportunity to test their skills and demonstrate their abilities, thanks in part to support from Alcoa Building Products.

Alcoa was one of a number of leading firms which supported the 30th annual VICA Skills USA Championship, which was held June 25-28 in Kansas City, Mo.

"We were pleased to support this valuable and worthwhile event," commented John Stansberry, New Construction Sales Manager for Alcoa Building Products.

Alcoa provides 30 squares of vinyl siding material to the competition at no charge. The material was used to test participants' ability and workmanship, as part of a multifaceted skills competition in carpentry. Altogether more than 3,600 vocational students joined the competition, which comprised 54 different trades, along with technical and leadership fields.

VICA, the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education. The organization sponsors the Skills USA Championship annually to recognize the achievements of vocational students, and to encourage them to strive for excellence and pride in their chosen occupations. Alcoa was first alerted to the opportunity to participate in the competition by John O'Rourke of All-Windows Distributors in Kansas City. The firm distributes Alcoa products in the host city of the event, and when it was approached by organizers for support, it recommended Alcoa become involved at the national level.

"We recognize that skilled installation and professionalism in the field are essential to the long-term success of our company," commented Stansberry. "By supporting this competition we believe we can make a valuable contribution to the professionalism and craftsmanship of tomorrow's skilled carpenters."

In the carpentry competition, contestants were required to complete a project specifically designed to test their overall abilities, including framing, forming, exterior trim, stair building and other skills. The contestants were judged on the basis of accuracy, as measured by comparison to industry specifications, as well as their ability to read and interpret blueprints, workmanship and the proper use of tools and equipment. In addition, safety practices, an area of concern to labor and management alike, comprise an important part of each contestant's score.

Headquartered in Sidney, Alcoa Building Products is one of the leading manufacturers of quality aluminum and vinyl building products in the United States. Manufacturing and marketing building products for over 30 years, the company offers a broad selection of vinyl siding and soffit, aluminum siding and soffit, steel siding and accessories, aluminum roofing, and a complement of other exterior design accessories.

For more information on Alcoa Building Products, call 800/962-6973.

CONTACT: Creative Connection, Pompano Beach, Fla.

Terri L. Gottlieb, 954/968-0115

954/968-0117 (fax)