The 2023 Arizona Pipe Trades Apprenticeship contest was held on April 29th at the UA Local 469 training center. This annual contest is designed to test the skills of pipefitters, plumbers, and HVAC professionals associated with UA Local 469. The event was divided into three parts: a 4-hour piping project, a 1-hour 50-question essay-style answer test, and a 2-hour schematic drawing/wiring project, which added up to a total of 10 hours.
Mike Dooher and Matt Leach were the proctors for the contest, while Rick Wieting (Retiree) and Ross Hanley (Tolin Mechanical) served as the judges. The competition was very close, with a tight point position between the top two contestants. Ultimately, Brent Larsen won first place, receiving a $500 cash prize, a name-brand welding hood, a hard-case ice chest, a Milwaukee tool bag filled with goodies, a gift card, and several other miscellaneous items.
Brent will be advancing to the Regional Level of the contest, which will take place in mid-June in Las Vegas. Matt Leach will accompany Brent as his coach, hoping to bring home a win for Local 469 and move on to the National Competition in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
This annual competition is an excellent opportunity for aspiring pipefitters, plumbers, and HVAC professionals to showcase their skills and learn from their peers. It also serves as a platform for industry sponsors, such as Milwaukee, to support and showcase their latest products and tools.
The UA Local 469 training center is committed to providing high-quality training and education to its apprentices, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the ever-evolving industry. The annual apprenticeship contest is just one of the ways in which UA Local 469 supports and promotes its members’ ongoing education and professional development.
In conclusion, the 2023 Arizona Pipe Trades Apprenticeship contest was a great success, highlighting the skills and expertise of the industry’s rising stars. Congratulations to Brent for winning first place and best of luck to him and Matt as they move on to the Regional Level of the contest.
