Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1 held its annual apprenticeship contest April 1 at its training center in Northeast Portland.
Seven apprentices participated for the chance to advance to the Western States regional finals May 20Â in Tracy, California.
Representing Local 1 at regionals in bricklaying will be Ben Wall, a 90 percent apprentice who took first place, and Micah Edwards, an 80 percent apprentice, who finished second. Zach Welch finished third and will be an alternate. Josh Graham, a 90 percent apprentice, will represent Local 1 in the marble competition. He was the lone competitor and advanced automatically.
Apprenticeship Coordinator Shawn Lenczowksi said the competition requires apprentices to build a project from a blueprint in five hours. The project is then judged for quality.
