The Foundation’s national apprentice contests are a chance for the next generation’s skilled tradespeople to shine. These once-a-year events set the top apprentices from across the nation to work on a test of their skills, knowledge, and accuracy.
Plumbing apprentices must rough-in a bathroom – including the drain, waste and vent lines, a toilet, a sink and shower. HVACR apprentices must demonstrate their knowledge of systems plus their hands-on skills.
Besides offering apprentices a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on a national stage, the contests support the Foundation’s mission by helping to generate awareness for local apprenticeship programs, boosting interest in the fields of plumbing and HVAC and attracting new recruits to the industry.
The plumbing contest takes place on the trade show floor during PHCC CONNECT, allowing the event attendees to watch the contestants’ progress (and cheer for their hometown favorite). The next National Plumbing Apprentice Contest will take place during PHCC CONNECT in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from October 19-22, 2026.
2026 HVACR Apprentice Contest
The event was held at the PHCC of South Dakota Annual State Convention in February 2026. This year’s HVAC contest winners included:
- First Place – Cole Kelley, Pipefitters Local 537 Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Second Place – Jantzen Fisher, Midwestern Mechanical, Rapid City, South Dakota
- Third Place – Will Lauseng, Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sponsors for this year’s national HVAC apprenticeship competition included Rheem, Milwaukee Tool, Mueller Streamline Co., DSG, Energy Dynamics, Inc., Johnstone Supply, Midwestern Mechanical, and Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating which donated materials and time to make the contest a success.
If you’re interested in participating in the next National HVAC competition, please contact Britini Langford at langford@naphcc.org.
