Plumbing Apprentices Compete in Contest

Jan. 1, 2002
LAS VEGAS The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association, in conjunction with the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Nevada, conducted the National Plumbing Apprentice Contest Nov. 10 here. Apprentices competed on their ability to rough in water supply and drain lines as well as install a variety of fixtures over an eight-hour period. Contestants won cash prizes and promotional

LAS VEGAS — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association, in conjunction with the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Nevada, conducted the National Plumbing Apprentice Contest Nov. 10 here.

Apprentices competed on their ability to rough in water supply and drain lines as well as install a variety of fixtures over an eight-hour period. Contestants won cash prizes and promotional items for their efforts.

The top contestants were: Tim Maez, Della Mora Plumbing, Salinas, Calif., first place; Curtis Osborne, W.J. Borghoff Plumbing & Heating, Henderson, Nev., second place; and Mitch Brower, William R. Nash, Miami, third place.

The contest originally had been scheduled to take place during PHCC-NA’s annual convention in Reno, Nev. It was postponed due to the events of Sept. 11.

Prior to the contest, the PHCC Apprentice and Journeyman Training Committee began to review and update its Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at a meeting at PHCC-NA headquarters in Falls Church, Va. Initial efforts will focus on year one of the program, with subsequent revisions for the remainder of the program. The new apprenticeship program will include an up-to-date curriculum, apprentice workbooks and National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards to be approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training. PHCC has contracted with educational consulting firm TICO Enterprises to write the new curriculum and facilitate a "Train the Trainer" seminar to familiarize instructors with the program.

Frank Maddalon, committee chairman, told CONTRACTOR that the program had no specific weaknesses but needed to be brought up to present-day standards and technologies. The program was last updated about eight years ago, Maddalon said.

"The comprehensive review and update will ensure that PHCC’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program remains the premier program available to individuals pursuing a plumbing career," said Maddalon of F.R. Maddalon Plumbing in Hamilton, N.J.

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