Four ABC of Wisconsin apprentices headed to the National Craft Championships

WEST BEND, Jan. 26, 2024 — Four of Wisconsin’s top construction apprentices have emerged victorious in their respective trades at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Apprenticeship Skill Competition in West Bend. The top four placing first in their respective trades are now eligible to compete in the National Craft Championships (NCC). They will represent the state and compete against the best craft trainees from around the U.S. in Orlando, Florida, March 13-15.

The Skill Competition, held in West Bend on Friday, included 35 competitors representing six technical colleges in carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. The day-long event included a four-hour, hands-on practical competition in the morning and written exam in the afternoon. Here are the 2024 ABC of Wisconsin Skill Competition winners:

Carpentry

1st Place – Timothy Gittel, AMCSI

2nd Place – Richard Mora-Rivas, Holtz Builders, Inc.

3rd Place – James Smerz, AMCSI

Electrical

1st Place – Nathan Myers, NSI Electrical Contractors, Inc.

2nd Place – Matthew Repka, Repka Electric, LLC

3rd Place – Tyler Scaife, Engler Electric, Inc.

HVAC

1st Place – Matthew Tuper, Southport Engineered Systems, LLC

2nd Place – Benjamin Langlois, Southport Engineered Systems, LLC

3rd Place – Matthew Hartl, Dave Jones

Plumbing

1st Place – Jason Tuschl, Dave Jones

2nd Place – Benjamin Kurth, Dave Jones

3rd Place – Matthew Nummerdor, Dave Jones

“This is an awesome experience for the apprentices who get to measure their skills with those of their fellow competitors,” said John Mielke, president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin. “The competition allows us a glimpse of the amazing talents of our future workforce. We are certainly proud of all of the competitors.”

The National Craft Championships will host hundreds of competitors in Kissimmee, Florida.

Photos from the Apprenticeship Skill Competition can be found on the ABC of Wisconsin Flickr page.