Western States Holds First Regional Apprentice Contest Since 2011

SMART Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund hosted the Western States Apprentice Contest July 18-19 at their Livermore, California, training center. Sixteen apprentices from six locals competed, marking the region’s first contest since 2011 and highlighting the renewed commitment to skills development in the area. This year also introduced the project management category, debuting at any regional contest, further expanding the scope and significance of the event.

Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada form the Western States Region. Apprentices and coordinators from Local 104, Local 105 in Southern California, Local 206 in San Diego, Local 359 in Phoenix, Arizona, and Local 26 in Sparks, Nevada, were represented. Each training program could send one competitor for every 300 apprentices.

Competition projects were categorized into four areas: architectural, HVAC, industrial/welding, and project management. The project management contest tested apprentices on their organizational skills and attention to detail as leaders.

Apprentices put in long days to compete. They designed a gutter system, built and installed a duct system, and handled field verification and site measurements. By working together and relaxing after each task, they built strong connections with other future leaders in the industry.

The new project management category was a cause for celebration, with Austin Cummings, a third-year apprentice at Local 105, earning top honors. Alex Giroux and Rebecca Suen from Local 104 proudly took second and third place, exemplifying outstanding achievement in this inaugural category.

In the architectural category, Esteban Mercado, a third-year apprentice at Local 104, took first place, showing his dedication and skill. There was a three-way tie for second, with Trevor Baker of Local 104 and Dillon Uhern and Richard Morrison of Local 105 all recognized for their hard work. Giroux earned third place.

The HVAC category was highly competitive and ended with Mercado and Morrison tying for first place. Baker took second and Uhern came in third. Their achievements were met with cheers and recognition from everyone there.

In the industrial/welding category, Uhern won first place, Suen took second, and Tristan Haynes of Local 104 finished third. The room was full of congratulations as apprentices were recognized for their technical skills.