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 Plumbing Apprentice Contest will take place during PHCC CONNECT in Grand Rapids, Michigan from October 27-30, 2025.
The HVAC contest will NOT be held in Grand Rapids during CONNECT 2025, but a special HVAC exhibit area previewing the new competition is being discussed for exhibit on the tradeshow floor. The HVAC event will be redesigned this year, with a focus on creating a competition addressing the skills apprentices need today, plus the technology they can expect to work with in the future. The PHCC of South Dakota chapter, whose members are spearheading the redevelopment of the contest, will host the first pilot of the redesigned contest at their state convention in February 2026. See this press release for more information on the HVAC contest.
