ACHR NEWS Editorial Staff

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Tyler Paul, who works for BION Inc. in Prince William County, Virginia, was recently named Apprentice of the Year for 2023 by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC).

Paul, who completed his apprenticeship in HVAC through the PHCC Academy in May, is passionate about learning all he can, maintaining the utmost in professionalism, and leading by example, an article published by the PHCC said.

The award was presented Oct. 27 during the 2023 PHCC conference, PHCCCONNECT2023, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Paul said he entered the profession because he enjoys working with his hands, and because there is always something to learn or get better at so he can do more to help customers.

Paul completed both his plumbing and HVAC apprenticeships while working at BION and has joined the Train the Trainer program at the PHCC of Virginia. He has certifications in multiple disciplines. He is familiar with plumbing, HVAC, and medical gas code, and is often teaching more experienced workers, the PHCC said.

“Tyler consistently demonstrates a strong desire to always do things correctly, and considers the ‘why’ of how the systems we install will be used,” reads, in part, his nomination for the award. “He works days, nights, weekends and is always there to mentor younger staff.”

“While [Paul] looked so young, we realized right away that he was mature and intelligent beyond his years,” said Russell Ryan, a BION foreman. “From then on, we realized this kid really knew what he was talking about, and we all needed to take time to listen to Tyler Paul, as he is crazy book and field smart.”