State Industries, Inc., sponsored three cash prizes at the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association Educational Foundation’s (PHCC Educational Foundation) 2006 International Plumbing Apprentice Contest during the Network ’06 and ISH North America Trade Show in Chicago.
Contestants demonstrated their ability to perform jobs or skills selected from a list of competencies, including tools and equipment, roughing in a drainage system and roughing in a water system. They also were required to install a basic three-piece bathroom: toilet, sink with faucet and shower pan with faucet. The installation included the water and waste drain and vent lines.
State provided the cash prizes for the top three contestants. The first place winner, Christopher Platner, received $1,000. Platner is an employee of L.N. Piccianno and resides in Windsor, NY. The second place winner, Thom Allen, received $750. Allen is an employee of Gateway Mechanical and resides in Fenton, MO. The third place winner, Matthew Nickelson, received $500. Nickelson is an employee of Gotelli Plumbing and resides in Movato, CA.
All 15 contestants received plaques commemorating their participation.
“State was happy to participate in the contest,” said Jeff Storie, brand manager at State Water Heaters. “We feel that it is important to partner with the industry to create highly skilled plumbing contractors. We look forward to having a similar role in this competition next year.”
