We’ve all heard of crossword puzzle competitions, science fairs, and spelling bees. Now there’s a competition for folks who know their way around a skillsaw, pipe bender, or a welding torch. It’s the annual National Craft Championship, which just wrapped up in Birmingham, Alabama. The competition is put on by the Associated Builders and Contractors trade group.

Dr. Mittie Cannon, director of workforce development for the construction and engineering firm Robins and Morton, is a big fan of the competition. It’s her job to recruit people into booming fields such as carpentry and plumbing. She tells Marketplace Morning Report host David Brancaccio why there’s a bright future for people seeking work in the construction industry.