PHCC Names Valerie Butler Its 2025 Plumbing Apprentice of the Year
Key Highlights
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PHCC honors Butler for her leadership, technical skill, and service to the industry
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Apprentice has already led initiatives, earned scholarships, and managed major project responsibilities
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Recognized nationally as a rising leader
FALLS CHURCH, VA — Valerie Butler has been named the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association’s (PHCC) 2025 Plumbing Apprentice of the Year. Sponsored by Delta Faucet, the award was presented during PHCC CONNECT 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Butler’s pathway into the trade reflects determination and resilience. Following a medical separation from the Marine Corps in 2020, she sought a stable career with long-term growth. Encouraged by her father, who works in the heating and boiler industry, she committed to plumbing despite having no prior field experience. Before beginning her apprenticeship, she spent two years in coordinator and safety director roles, demonstrating her drive to earn a place in the profession.
Leadership, Advocacy, and Service to the Trade
Since entering the apprenticeship program, Butler has been recognized for her strong work ethic and willingness to tackle new challenges. Her positive approach has made her a mentor and advocate for other young women joining the trades. In 2022, she joined the PHCC of Indiana State and Executive Boards, contributing to the launch of a statewide safety recognition program modeled after PHCC of Georgia’s ROPES Program.
Her commitment to professional development continued in 2024, when she received the PHCC Educational Foundation’s top scholarship. She is now completing her final year at the Mechanical Skills Plumbing Apprentice School. National industry recognition has followed as well, including being named one of CONTRACTOR magazine’s “2025 Under 30 All Stars.”
Technical Skills and Jobsite Performance
On the job, Butler stands out for her technical ability and precision. Her skill set includes threading pipe, t-drilling copper, operating equipment, and running project layouts. She has also stepped into project management responsibilities on a large commercial job, coordinating daily operations, materials, and documentation while continuing her apprenticeship and office roles.
A Trusted Team Member in the Office and Field
Butler has built a reputation as a dependable teammate, patient instructor, and problem solver. Whether assisting journeymen on complex tasks or supporting new apprentices, she has become a valued contributor both on the jobsite and in the office.
Read about Valerie Butler and other rising stars of the plumbing trade in our 2025 Under 30 All-Stars feature.
Note: this article was rewritten with help from generative AI.