PHCC Educational Foundation

Plumbing & HVAC Apprentice Contests

For plumbing and HVAC apprentices, the Foundation’s national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests are a chance 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 with a written test, plus their hands-on skills with brazing, pressure testing, refrigerant recovery, and diagnosing & repairing a package unit system.

The contests take place on the tradeshow floor during PHCC CONNECT, allowing the event attendees to watch the contestants’ progress (and cheer for their hometown favorite).

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 next National Apprentice Contests will take place during PHCC CONNECT in Grand Rapids, Michigan from October 27-30, 2025.

2024 HEADLINE SPONSORS

 
 

Becoming a sponsor of our Apprentice Contests is an excellent way to reach the next generation of skilled workers. There are a variety of options available, from prize donations to headline sponsorships.

Request Sponsorship Info

Eligibility
The contests are open to 3rd and 4th year plumbing and HVAC apprentices. Contestants continue to be eligible if they have completed their program within the current calendar year. If an apprentice sits for their journeyman exam in the summer and gets their license before the contest they are still eligible to compete.

An apprentice who has previously competed in our national contest or another organization’s national competition is not eligible to compete again. All contestants must be endorsed/certified by a PHCC Local/State Chapter or the United Association.

The next National Apprentice Contests will take place during PHCC CONNECT in Grand Rapids, Michigan from October 27-30, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions
– Learn how to register a contestant, travel details and more.

Plumbing Tools List
– A preliminary list of tools contestants will need to bring for the Plumbing Contest. Most of the required tools on this list were generously provided by the Milwaukee Tool Company for last year’s contestants.HVAC Tools List
– A preliminary list of tools contestants will need to bring for the HVAC Contest. Most of the required tools on this list were generously provided by the Milwaukee Tool Company for last year’s contestants.

Contestants must attend all required events, beginning with an orientation on Monday, October 7th and are permitted to leave at the conclusion of the Awards Breakfast on the last day of CONNECT. A detailed schedule will be shared in advance of the contest.

Important Note: Contestants are required to participate in all activities unless they are listed as optional. Contestants who do not participate in all required activities will not finish among the top three and will be ineligible for the prize packages. In addition, contestants who fail to participate in all required activities may be billed for their expenses by their sponsoring organizations and the PHCC Educational Foundation and will forfeit their sponsorships.

Apprentices must apply in advance to compete and registration may be limited to state-level competition winners.

There is a contestant registration fee, but thanks to our sponsors, verified contestants typically receive substantial assistance in covering travel costs to get to the event, plus prizes and other rewards.

Registration for the next contest will open in early 2025.

Request Registration Info

For PHCC chapters interested in running a plumbing or HVAC apprentice contest, here is some helpful information to get started.

DIY Apprentice Contests Guides