The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation recently announced the winners of the PHCC National Plumbing Apprentice Contest.
The contest was held over three days — Oct. 19-21 — in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the tradeshow floor during PHCC’s CONNECT 2026 event. A total of 19 plumbing apprentices from across the nation took part.
Winners were:
First Place: Michael Goldey, Jr. of MSG Plumbing in Levittown, Pennsylvania. He was sponsored by Rheem.
Second place: Trevor Nielson of Universal Heating & Plumbing Co. in Las Vegas. He was sponsored by Viega.
Third Place: Joseph Cuttie of JAC 130 & O’Sullivan Plumbing in Mokena, Illinois. He was sponsored by Delta Faucet.
The plumbing apprentices were required to rough-in a bathroom system. The setup 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 setup also 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 is made possible by the generous support of several industry sponsors who provide monetary support and in-kind material and tool donations. Sponsors for the 2026 competition included: AB&I Foundry; A.O. Smith; Bradford White Corp.; Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI); 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; Milwaukee Tool Company; Moen; NIBCO INC.; Oatey; Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine; Rheem HVAC and Water Htg. Division; RIDGID; State Water Heaters; Tyler Pipe & Coupling; Viega; and Zoeller Pump Company.
“Competitions like this are about more than recognizing individual talent; they’re about investing in the future of our industry,” says Steve Rivers, foundation chair. “The support of our contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and educators demonstrates the power of bringing our industry together around a common goal. By creating opportunities for apprentices to demonstrate their abilities, learn from one another, and connect with industry leaders, we are helping to strengthen our workforce, encourage innovation, and build a sustainable future for the skilled trades.”
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