Growing the Industry

Craft Competition

The annual Craft Competition, presented in partnership with the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), highlights the achievements of fourth-year apprentices who represent the future of commercial construction trades.

The competition is designed to:

Demonstrate safety and craft excellence

Simulate working conditions where planning is critical to success

Highlight individual leadership and workmanship skills as the competition project is assembled and completed

The competition includes a written exam that measures industry knowledge. This is followed by the hands-on portion—installing an electrical service under tight time constraints. Contestants are judged by members of top electrical firms on safety, layout, compliance, appearance, and quality of workmanship.

Each year, the winner of the ABC WMC Craft Competition goes on to compete at the ABC National Craft Championships during the annual ABC National Convention in March.

Past ABC WMC Craft Competition Winners

Participants initially compete on a local level. Then, each year, the winner of the local ABC WMC Craft Competition goes on to compete at the national level. The ABC National Competition showcases the expertise of nearly 200 of the nation’s top-performing professionals. Over the span of two days, competitors complete a two-hour exam and six-hour practice performance test. At the end, the top three competitors are awarded with a medal. ABC WMC is so proud to host two National champions. They’ve proven that some of the best workers in the nation come from right here in West Michigan.

Congratulations to the winners of the ABC annual Craft Competition, including:

2024 Local and National Winner

Garrett Musselwhite

Feyen Zylstra
National Silver Medalist

2023 Local and National Winner

Wade Wiltenburg

Buist Electric
National Bronze Medalist

Eligibility

To be eligible to compete in the ABC WMC Craft Competition, participants must be:

A fourth-year electrical apprentice
Currently enrolled in the Grand Rapids Community College or employer-based electrical apprenticeship program
Currently employed by an ABC WMC member in good standing

Nominations open each year in November.

ABC WMC Member Recognition

We believe that exceptional members deserve to be honored for their contributions to the industry. Learn about our different awards, competitions, and recognitions at the link below.