This September, hundreds of competitors will take the stage at the WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, China. Among them will be Charles (Charlie) Goede, this year’s competitor representing the United States in the plumbing and heating category. 

The WorldSkills competition takes place every two years, and includes a plethora of different skills; everything from 3D digital game artistry to floristry, the games were initially founded in the 1940s with the admiral goal of creating employment opportunities for young people after the Second World War. It currently operates in eighty-five countries, and is often called the Olympics of the skilled trades! 

Goede, from Waterford, Connecticut, is a plumbing apprentice and a graduate from Ella T. Grass Technical High School in Groton, Conn. He’s been backed by resounding support across the industry, including UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 JATC, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The PHCC Educational Foundation is also playing a critical role in Goede’s preparation; providing both financial and logistical support to ensure he is ready to compete on the international stage.

Goede is a plumbing apprentice and a graduate from Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton, Conn.

I met Goede last year at PHCC Connect 2025, as he prepared for the SkillsAustria competition – that’s right, Goede is no stranger to competitions! He placed second in the nation in the plumbing competition 2024’s SkillsUSA Championships during the National Leadership & Skills Conference held annually in Atlanta, and later went to compete in AustrianSkills 2025. 

Now, with WorldSkills on the horizon, Goede is sharpening both his technical skills and his ability to perform under pressure! We sat down to discuss his training, the competition, and his history – and future! – in the trades. 

What first drew you to the plumbing and heating trade, and how did you get your start?

What first drew me into the trade was going through the exploratory phase at Grasso Tech and seeing all the different aspects of the trades I could go into. I liked being able to work with my hands and use problem-solving to complete tasks.

At what point did you realize competitive skills events like WorldSkills were something you wanted to pursue seriously?

I never thought competitive skills would be something I’d be interested in until I did my first SkillsUSA competition at the state level.

Once I competed, I realized how much I enjoyed it. At the time, I definitely didn’t think it would take me this far.

What did you learn in Austria that has influenced how you’re training for WorldSkills?

One of the biggest things I learned in Austria was that time is not your friend. Once the clock starts, it’s a totally different feeling compared to training.

Because of that, we’ve shifted my training to be much more time-oriented.

Were there any specific moments in Austria that stood out?

Honestly, most of the competition stood out.

Between working with plumbing and heating materials I had never seen before—and the language barrier—the entire experience was a real shock.

What does it mean to represent the United States on the global stage?

 It’s an honor to represent the United States in plumbing and heating at WorldSkills.

Training hasn’t been easy, but I’m going to represent the U.S. to the best of my ability. By the time I get there, I plan to be as prepared as possible.

For readers unfamiliar with the competition, what does the plumbing and heating event involve?

 The competition is usually made up of a full bathroom installation, including fixtures and trim, along with near-boiler piping—things like circulators, zone valves, and other fittings.

It’s broken into sections, such as bathroom rough-in, fixture installation, and heating components.

Are there specific technical skills you’re focusing on right now?

Right now, I’m really focusing on tube bending. It’s not very common in the U.S., but it’s widely used in Europe.

We’ve been doing a lot of different training exercises to build confidence with that skill.

How are you preparing for international standards that differ from U.S. practices?

I’ve been studying blueprints from other international competitions to understand what judges are looking for.

Some aspects are similar to what we do in the U.S., but a lot of it is completely new.

What do you expect will be the biggest technical challenge in Shanghai?

The biggest challenge will probably be working with materials I’m not familiar with and having very limited time to figure out the correct installation process.

Time management overall will also be a major factor.

What advice would you give to apprentices following your journey?

Anything is possible if you stick with it and push through challenges.

Also, take in as much knowledge as you can from your mentors—they can be one of the most important parts of your success.

As Goede continues to train for Shanghai, his journey reflects more than individual ambition. It highlights the growing importance of skilled trades on a global stage. Competitions like WorldSkills not only test technical ability, but also adaptability, precision and resilience under pressure – all of which are vital in the trades.

For Goede, the experience is about more than medals; it’s about representing his country, learning from the best in the world and bringing that knowledge back to the industry. And for the next generation of apprentices watching his path, it’s proof that a career in the trades can open doors far beyond the jobsite.