Helping to drive the future of the skilled trades, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation recently partnered with SkillsUSA to host a successful plumbing competition at the 2025 SkillsUSA Championships during the National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta. The weeklong event, which drew over 6,700 highly skilled technical and trade students across 114 competitions to the Georgia Congress Center, serves as a critical pipeline for identifying and attracting talent and aligns with the Foundation’s mission of fostering a career in the plumbing and HVACR industries.

Albeit integral to the construction sector, the plumbing trade is experiencing numerous challenges – from a labor shortage due to an aging workforce, to an influx of new technologies which is contributing to a skills gap. The Foundation, through the PHCC Academy, focuses on assessing workforce readiness, introducing individuals to rewarding opportunities within the plumbing and HVACR industries, providing the necessary education for career success, and preparing trades professionals to obtain all mandatory certifications required to excel in their field. While the Foundation and SkillsUSA have worked on furthering this mission for more than three decades, there is a heightened focus on the trades due to President Trump’s recent Executive Order on Worker Investment and Development, emphasizing the need to invest in local workforce and training. 

As part of their overall mission, the Foundation supported plumbing competitors throughout the SkillsUSA Championships process, funding the event, helping to secure piping materials, tools and equipment, as well as providing guidance, mentorship, and judging panel volunteers. The donated materials were used to install the bathroom infrastructure at the plumbing competition, as well as for the Teamworks’ competition – a discipline challenging teams of four to build tiny houses in 48 hours with special attention to carpentry, masonry, electric and plumbing. 

This year’s competition attracted 51 of the nation’s top plumbing students from local high schools, vocational, technical and post-secondary schools. Having won either a local or state competition, they were invited to compete on a national stage according to approved industry standards, as well as present their skills and knowledge of plumbing in front of industry leaders. Apart from gold, silver and bronze medallions, competitors also receive scholarships, tools, and in some cases – job offers.

“At the SkillsUSA Championships, we see the best technical and trade students from across the country showcasing their plumbing skills and knowledge,” said Dan Quinonez, executive director of the PHCC Educational Foundation. “Our hope is that this national stage serves as a powerful audition for a successful future in the trades. With the p-h-c industry facing a projected need for approximately 114,500 new qualified workers by 2028 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s imperative that we equip and empower future generations with the technical skills to confidently launch their career in trades.”

Chelle Travis, executive director at SkillsUSA added: “The SkillsUSA Championships continues to exceed our expectations, growing year after year thanks to the incredible engagement of our volunteers, instructors and competitors. We are extremely grateful for the PHCC Educational Foundation’s unwavering support and their steadfast commitment to preparing the next generation of plumbers. Their dedication to providing students the necessary skills and know-how makes them more desirable in the job market. The future of the trades is undeniably bright.”

This year’s plumbing contest winners are:

• 1st Place Secondary – Beckham Dickson, Davis Technical College, Utah
• 1st Place Post-Secondary – Jonathan Gann, Texas State Technical College, Texas
• 2nd Place Secondary – Joey Gibbs, Harris County High Schools CTAE, Georgia
• 2nd Place Post-Secondary – Thomas Larson, Davis Technical College, Utah
• 3rd Place Secondary – Konner Namken, Smithville ISD, Texas
• 3rd Place Post-Secondary – Grant Parker, Liberty University, Virginia

The Foundation’s contribution would not have been possible without generous donations from these corporate sponsors: American Supply Association (ASA), Bradford White, the Cast Iron Pipe Institute (CISPI), Copper Development Association Inc., Delta Faucet, Home Depot Pro, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Kohler Co., McWane Plumbing Group (AB&I Foundry and Tyler Pipe and Coupling), Milwaukee Tool, Moen, NIBCO, Oatey, Rheem Manufacturing, Sioux Chief and Zoeller.

The 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference will take place June 1-5 in Atlanta. To learn more about the PHCC Educational Foundation please visit: the PHCC foundation's website.