1. Apprenticeship Standards
APPRENTICESHIP

Sheet Metal Workers Revive Apprentice Competition After a Decade

Alex Tiechner
Apprenticeship Training Administrator, N. CA Valley Sheet Metal Industry JATC
Sheet-Metal-Worker

The sheet metal industry is celebrating the return of a long-standing tradition: the apprentice competition. After more than ten years without the event, the competition has been revived once again; challenging apprentices to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and leadership potential.

A Statewide Effort

Each Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) had the opportunity to send one apprentice for every 200 enrolled in their program. In total, one top apprentice was selected from each JATC to represent their local program. Several committees even held local competitions beforehand to determine which apprentice would earn the honor of competing at the statewide level.

The 2025 competition was hosted on July 18-19, 2025  at the Local 104 Livermore JATC, bringing together apprentices from across the western states.

The Results

In an impressive showing, Local 105 (Southern California) swept the competition, taking first, second, and third place overall. Close behind, Local 104 District 1 Bay Area and Local 104 Sacramento tied for fourth place.

Skills on Display

Apprentices were tested across a wide range of industry-related skills, including:

  • Sheet metal layout, fabrication, and installation
  • Architectural design and installation
  • Welding symbol identification and welding projects
  • Project management

The competition highlighted not only technical proficiency, but also the problem-solving, creativity, and leadership that define the future of the trade.

Building the Future of the Trade

The revival of the Apprentice Competition has rekindled the spirit of excellence and friendly rivalry within the sheet metal industry. Beyond trophies and rankings, the contest identifies emerging leaders, showcases the depth of training apprentices receive, and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the trade.

As one of the cornerstone events in apprenticeship training, the competition reaffirms the value of hands-on learning, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship. With its return, the sheet metal industry is once again recognizing and rewarding the best of the best and inspiring the next generation to aim even higher.

To learn more about SMART Western States Union covering California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii visit: https://wscsmw.org/

December 2025