FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association’s (PHCC) Educational Foundation announced the winners of the national plumbing and HVAC apprentice contests. The contests were held Oct. 10-11 in Albuquerque, New Mexico on the trade show floor during the PHCC — National Association’s CONNECT 2018 event. A total of 19 plumbing and 10 HVAC apprentices from across the nation took part in the contests.

HVAC Apprentice Contest Winners were:

• 1^st Place: Josiah Tiegs, McDowall Comfort Management, Waite Park, Minnesota, Sponsored by Brasscraft Mfg.
• 2^nd Place: Daniel Deneve, GSM Services, Gastonia, North Carolina, Sponsored by NIBCO
• 3^rd Place: Jeffrey Deuel, American Mechanical Services, Denver, Colorado, Sponsored by Milwaukee Tool

The HVAC competitors were required to complete a written test, demonstrate proper brazing techniques, and perform a hands-on diagnostic on an HVAC package unit, with system errors created by the Foundation’s contractor volunteers for the competition. The competitors also had to perform a pressure and leak test, demonstrate proper refrigerant recovery procedures, and the ability to accurately take a variety of instrument readings.   

A dedicated team of contractor volunteers arrived two days before the competitions to assemble the competitor test benches, distribute the materials and supplies, and setup the testing areas. They monitor the competitions, evaluate the apprentices’ work and provide constructive feedback on each competitor’s performance following the event.

The contests are made possible by the generous support of several industry sponsors who provide monetary support and in-kind material and tool donations. Sponsors for the 2018 competition include: AB&I Foundry; A. O. Smith; Bradford White Corp.; BrassCraft Mfg. Co.; Copper Development Association Inc.; Daikin; Delta Faucet Co.; Emerson; Fluke, IPS Corp.; KOHLER Co.; Mechanical Hub Media; Milwaukee Tool; NATE; NIBCO Inc.; Oatey; Reed Mfg. Co.; RIDGID; State Water Heaters; Tyler Pipe & Coupling; Uponor; Viega LLC; and Zoeller Pump Co.

“These contests are an incredible demonstration of the opportunities that exist because of the Foundation,” reports Foundation Chair Craig Lewis. “You have these amazing apprentices from all over the country coming here to show off their skills. The sponsors are so generous with their support. And then our volunteer committee members and staff are pulling it all together in a new exhibit hall every year. It really is quite a thing to see and I’m very proud everyone involved with these competitions.”

Publication date: 10/23/18

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