Neighbor News
ABC NorCal apprentices "bring it" at local Craft Competition
Six-hour "blueprint-to-final-product" construction challenge illustrates competitors' skill
Seven ABC NorCal apprentices brought their “A” game to the 2015 ABC NorCal Craft Competition last Saturday, November 7: Jacob Hagan (Carpentry), Miguel Villa, (Carpentry), Nathan Juarez, (Electrical), Seth Lewis (Electrical), Varun Ram, (Electrical), Rudy Sanchez (Electrical) and Sean Zeigler (Electrical).
Their task wasn’t an easy one. The competitors had to build a finished construction project on the spot. They didn’t get to study the blueprints or create a plan of attack. They simply had time to hear a few inspirational words from their instructors and ABC NorCal President & CEO, Michele Daugherty, don their protective gear and walk out to their stations.
At the sound of the bullhorn, they sprang into action, putting all of their skills and knowledge to test for a grueling six hours.
They couldn’t talk to each other or ask questions. There were numerous distractions, including friends, family, supporters and judges wandering by and stopping to watch them work. And yet they persevered.
It wasn’t long before projects started to take shape. A framed building seemed to magically appear on the wooden platforms at the carpentry stations. The electrical station panels seemed to grow switches, conduit and wires. You could feel everyone’s excitement building as the final countdown drew closer and closer.
One hour left became thirty minutes. Thirty minutes became ten. And then as quick as it started, it was over. Family members looked on proudly and applauded as Miguel Villa, Nathan Juarez and Varun Ram were announced as the day’s winners. Cheers erupted when it was revealed that Nathan and Varun will representing Northern California at the ABC National Craft Championships (NCC) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 2016.
“This event represents the pinnacle of craft training and all seven competitors delivered an impressive performance,” said Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee Co-Chair Dave Dobson. “They set the bar high when it comes to safety and technical skill.”
Photos from the Craft Competition are available on Flickr. And be sure to follow ABC NorCal on Facebook for updates about Nathan and Varun’s journey to Ft. Lauderdale and the 2016 National Craft Championships.
To learn more about ABC NorCal’s state and federally approved apprenticeship programs, visit abcnorcal.org.
