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.
2026 Plumbing Apprentice Contest
Registration is officially open for the National Plumbing Apprentice Contest at PHCC’s CONNECT 2026 in Milwaukee, WI, October 19th – 22nd, 2026!
The plumbing contest takes place on the trade show floor during PHCC CONNECT, allowing the event attendees to watch the contestants’ progress (and cheer for their hometown favorite).
Does your apprentice have what it takes to compete on the national stage? If so, review these eligibility requirements:
- The contest is open to 3rd, 4th, or 5th year apprentices
- Contestants continue to be eligible if they have completed their program within the current calendar year
- Plumbing apprentices shall not be registered journeymen at the time they compete in the contest
- Plumbing 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 CoordinatorA few things to know:
Additional Key Information:
– The registration fee for contestants is $300. However, thanks to our incredible contest sponsors, all apprentices who complete the event receive a flat reimbursement to help offset their travel costs.
– Spots fill fast: Registration is first-come, first-served, with a waiting list once capacity is reached.
Questions? Reach out to Britini Langford at langford@naphcc.org. We can’t wait to see you and your apprentices in Milwaukee this October!
2026 HVACR Apprentice Contest
The event was held at the PHCC of South Dakota Annual State Convention in February 2026. This year’s HVAC contest winners included:
- First Place – Cole Kelley, Pipefitters Local 537 Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- Second Place – Jantzen Fisher, Midwestern Mechanical, Rapid City, South Dakota
- Third Place – Will Lauseng, Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sponsors for this year’s national HVAC apprenticeship competition included Rheem, Milwaukee Tool, Mueller Streamline Co., DSG, Energy Dynamics, Inc., Johnstone Supply, Midwestern Mechanical, and Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating which donated materials and time to make the contest a success.
If you’re interested in participating in the next National HVAC competition, please contact Britini Langford at langford@naphcc.org.
