Introducing the 2024 PHCC Apprenticeship Contestants

One of the highlights of PHCC — National Association’s annual CONNECT conference and tradeshow is always the Apprentice Contest. Though the 2024 event schedule is reimagined this year, the annual two-day competition will take place Oct. 7-10 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Apprentice working on a project. — The Plumbing and HVAC Apprenticeship Contests will highlight the skills and expertise of the nation’s top apprentices in the plumbing and HVACR industries and allow attendees to watch the contestants’ progress.

Plumbing apprentices working on bathroom rough-in. — Plumbing apprentices must rough-in a bathroom – including the drain, waste and vent lines, a toilet, a sink and shower for the competition.

MEET THE CONTESTANTS

“The annual apprenticeship contest is a cornerstone of the PHCC Education Foundation’s mission to inspire and develop the next generation of skilled professionals in the plumbing-heating-cooling industry,” says Daniel Quinonez, executive director, PHCC Educational Foundation. “It offers apprentices a stage to showcase their expertise, dedication and commitment to growth, while underscoring the critical role of continuous learning and skill development in the trades. This competition highlights how we are equipping our apprentices to meet both current challenges and the future demands of the profession. Over the years, it has expanded in scope, embracing new technologies, advanced methods, and additional categories to keep pace with our industry's evolving landscape.”

Apprentice reading a manual. — The event offers apprentices not only a chance to demonstrate their skills but also an opportunity to network with fellow apprentices and industry professionals.

Apprentice working on pipes. — Apprentices from across the country will come together to showcase their expertise and compete for the title of the nation’s top apprentice.

These contests will highlight the skills and expertise of the nation’s top apprentices in the plumbing and HVACR industries and allow attendees to watch the contestants’ progress. Apprentices from across the country will come together to showcase their expertise and compete for the title of the nation’s top apprentice. This event offers apprentices not only a chance to demonstrate their skills but also an opportunity to network with fellow apprentices and industry professionals.

An apprentice working on soldering. — The competition highlights how we are equipping our apprentices to meet both current challenges and the future demands of the profession, says Daniel Quinonez, executive director, PHCC Educational Foundation.

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 and repairing a package unit system.