February 1st, 2018
by Tara Lukasik
Pictured (left-right): Ian Barrett, Andrew Lopez and Paul Pescador.

The ABC Craft Championships demonstrates the staunch commitment of trainees and apprentices to the career path the construction industry offers

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) held its 24th annual ABC SoCal Craft Championships Competition on Jan. 20, 2018, in Anaheim, Calif., where craft trainees and apprentices competed for top honors in their chosen craft: residential/industrial electrical and plumbing. The Craft Championships allows competitors to demonstrate their superior skills, training and work practices.

The first place winners will move on to the National competition, which will be held March 18–22, 2018, in Long Beach, Calif.

  • Ian Barrett — Plumbing
  • Andrew Lopez — Industrial Electrical
  • Paul Pescador — Residential Electrical

International Code Council PMG Resources Director Charles “Lee” Clifton and ICC Government Relations Regional Manager Susan M. Dowty both attended the event. Dowty managed the Code Council booth while Clifton participated as one of the four judges for the plumbing competition. Clifton also participated in last year’s national competition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as a judge for the plumbing and pipefitting craft competitions.

The National Craft Championships are a part of ABC’s effort to raise the profile of careers in construction and highlight the $1.1 billion that ABC member companies spend annually on workforce development. Last year’s field of national competitors featured nearly 170 craft professionals from 28 states competing for top honors in 13 competitions across 11 crafts.

The national competition was developed in 1987 to help celebrate and recognize craft training in construction careers. Each year, the competition draws some of the nation’s most talented craft professionals and highlights the important role that craft skilled trades training plays in the construction industry. The National Craft Championships Committee, which is composed of leading merit shop construction firms, plans all year for the two-day competition.

About the Author
Tara Lukasik
Tara Lukasik is an editor for the International Code Council, working out of its Western Regional Office in Southern California. Starting with the International Conference of Building Officials as the managing editor of its Building Standards Magazine, she has more than 25 years of experience in writing and editing feature content and advancing digital newsletters and magazines from conception to completion. She is currently putting her experience to good use managing the Code Council's Building Safety Journal and its BSJ Weekly newsletter, which connects construction professionals with the Code Council community and the latest industry news and resources. A California native, she enjoys volunteering in her local community and exploring the Golden State with her husband and three spoiled dachshunds. Follow her on Twitter @ICCTLukasik and Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/taralukasik.