Grand Rapids, MI — December 5, 2025 — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Western Michigan, in partnership with the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), hosted its Annual Craft Competition on Friday, December 5, bringing together 19 apprentices from 14 companies to compete in a high-stakes, hands-on showcase of skill, safety, and craftsmanship.
This year’s competition featured four skilled trades—Electrical, Plumbing, Metal Framing & Drywall, and Sprinkler Fitting—with the latter three trades added in 2025. The expanded lineup reflects the growing demand for highly trained craft professionals across West Michigan’s construction industry and the continued investment in workforce development throughout the region.
Apprentices were evaluated through a rigorous hands-on practical assessment paired with a written exam, testing both technical knowledge and real-world jobsite performance. Competitors were judged on safety practices, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and their ability to execute complex tasks efficiently and accurately under time constraints.
“The craft competition is about more than winning—it’s about elevating the trades and highlighting the high level of professionalism required to succeed in today’s construction industry,” said Greg George, President and CEO of ABC Western Michigan. “These apprentices represent the future of our workforce, and their performance reflects the strength of the training, mentorship, and career pathways being built right here in West Michigan.”
The winners across each trade demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and dedication. Congratulations to this year’s top performers:
- First Place: Jared Lucht, Hillard Electric
- Runner-Up: Miles McFarland, HighPoint
Third Place: Mitch Bonner, Buist
- First Place: Josh Bieniasz, Halyard
- Runner-Up: Kiersten Jones, Ritsema Associates
- First Place: Joe Montney, Total Fire Protection
- Runner-Up: Ryan Matteson, Brigade Fire Protection
- First Place: Justin Wedge, DHE Plumbing & Mechanical
- Runner-Up: Cole Kelley, Gale Plumbing
These apprentices represent the future of our workforce, and their performance reflects the strength of the training, mentorship, and career pathways being built right here in West Michigan.
First-place winners from each trade have earned the honor of representing ABC Western Michigan in March at the ABC National Craft Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will compete against top craft professionals from chapters across the country and showcase West Michigan’s talent on a national stage.
Why Skilled Trades Pathways Matter Now
The construction industry continues to face a significant workforce shortage driven by retirements, increased infrastructure investment, and sustained regional growth. National projections estimate that the industry must attract hundreds of thousands of new skilled workers annually to meet demand and keep critical projects on track. Strengthening apprenticeship pipelines and highlighting clear, performance-based career pathways—such as those demonstrated through the ABC Western Michigan Craft Competition—are essential to building a safe, productive, and competitive construction workforce for the future.
