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 take 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
Registration is now open! The event will be held at the PHCC of South Dakota Annual State Convention, February 24-27, 2026, at The Lodge Hotel in Deadwood, SD.
If you have a skilled HVACR apprentice to register, please review the eligibility requirements (below) and complete the online registration form here.
The registration fee is $300. Apprentices who complete the event will receive a flat reimbursement to help cover travel expenses. Registration is first-come, first-served; once filled, we’ll maintain a waiting list for any additional openings. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions guide for more information. For additional questions, contact Britini Langford at langford@naphcc.org.
Special thanks to South Dakota PHCC for their outstanding work in spearheading the redesign and rollout of this innovative competition. We look forward to the premiere of this event and the opportunity to better prepare apprentices for the future of the industry.
Visit the PHCC of SD website for more information about the Convention.
HVACR Apprentice Contest Eligibility Requirements
- Open to 3rd, 4th, or 5th year apprentices
- Apprentices shall not be registered journeymen at the time they compete in the contest
- Apprentices must be EPA Section 608 certified
- Apprentices who have previously competed in the PHCC CONNECT contests shall not be permitted to compete again; INAC competitors who placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shall not be permitted to compete
- All contestants must be endorsed/certified by their PHCC Local/State Chapter or their United Association Local’s Training Coordinator
