The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation recently announced the winners of its national plumbing apprentice contest.
The contest was held over three days — Oct. 27 to 29 — in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the trade show floor during the PHCC’s CONNECT 2025 event. A total of 17 plumbing apprentices from across the nation took part.
First place went to Josh Vogt of Bombard Mechanical in Las Vegas, Nevada, sponsored by A.O. Smith.
Second place went to Cody Green of Midwestern Mechanical in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, sponsored by Moen.
Third place went to Daniel Pritchett of Reichelt Plumbing in Schererville, Indiana, sponsored by the Copper Development Association.
The apprentices were required to rough-in a bathroom system. The set-up included a toilet, sink and shower, complete with supply, waste and vent lines, plus cleanouts and extra features designed to test the contestants’ knowledge and skills. The test set-up included a variety of pipe materials — cast iron, copper and PVC and corresponding joining methods.
A dedicated team of contractor volunteers arrived two days before the competition to assemble the competitor test benches, distribute the materials and supplies and set up the testing areas. They monitored the competition, evaluated the apprentices’ work and provided constructive feedback on each competitor’s performance following the event.
The contest was made possible by the generous support of several industry sponsors who provided monetary support and in-kind material and tool donations. Sponsors for the 2025 competition included: AB&I Foundry; A.O. Smith; Bradford White Corp.; BNP-Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine; Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute; Contractor Magazine; Copper Development Association; Delta Faucet Co.; Home Depot Pro; International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); the International Code Council, Kohler Company; Legend Valve; Milwaukee Tool Company; Moen; NIBCO INC.; Oatey; Rheem HVAC and Water Htg. Division; RIDGID; State Water Heaters; Tyler Pipe & Coupling; and Zoeller Pump Company.
“What makes this contest so special is the community behind it,” says Patrick Wallner, foundation chair. “Our contractor volunteers, manufacturers, suppliers, and educators are all working together to make sure these apprentices have a platform to show off their talents. That collaboration reflects exactly what we need to build the next generation of skilled professionals.”
About PHCC Educational Foundation: The PHCC Educational Foundation, a partnership of contractors, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was founded in 1987 to serve the plumbing-heating-cooling industry by preparing contractors and their employees to meet the challenges of a constantly changing marketplace. For more information, contact a member of the foundation staff at 800-533-7694 or visit phccfoundation.org.
