SkillsUSA crowns National Plumbing Competition winners 

SkillsUSA this month hosted its annual National Plumbing Competition in Atlanta, Georgia, drawing 48 students enrolled in high school, vocational, and post-secondary programs across the country. 

What’s happening: The 1.5-day timed event required students to “rough-in a bathroom using copper, PVC, and cast-iron piping materials, showcasing their proficiency with cutting and assembling tools,” per a news release. 

The organization crowned six winners across the secondary and post-secondary categories. 

Secondary:

• First place: Beckham Dickson, Davis Technical College, Utah
• Second place: Joseph Grzegorczyk, Bay Arenac ISD Career Center, Michigan
• Third place: Parker Haydt, Bethlehem AVTS, Pennsylvania

Post-secondary:

• First place: Anton Allen, Western Dakota Technical College, South Dakota
• Second place: Agustin Gonzalez-Lopez, Erwin Technical College, Florida
• Third place: David Thompson, Davis Technical College, Utah

What they’re saying: “The National Plumbing Competition shines a light on one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs in America that doesn’t require a four-year degree,” PHCC’s Dan Quinonez said in a statement. 

• “Each year, we see a surge of interest from students across the country eager to participate in local competitions just to get a shot at competing here in Atlanta,” he added.  
• “Our hope is that events like this one will inspire people of all backgrounds to enter the trades, make it a career, and help us close that skills gap.”

Looking ahead: SkillsUSA’s 2027 National Plumbing Competition will take place from June 21 to 25 in Atlanta.