The United Association of Plumbers and Fitters Local 290 College of Mechanical Systems and Technology held an apprenticeship contest April 6-7 at the Matt Walters Training Center in Tualatin. About 100 apprentices — ranging from first to 10th term — used their learned skills to complete projects from blueprints. Competition was timed and judged for quality.
Apprenticeship Coordinator Bob DeGraw. said competition was held in four disciplines — plumbing, steamfitting/pipefitting/sprinkler fitting, welding, and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R).
The top finisher in each discipline advances to the Western Regional Apprentice Contest this June in Idaho. There, they will go up against top apprentices from locals in 10 western states. Top placers in Idaho will then qualify for the national contest held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in August.
Top finishers at UA Local 290 were:
- WELDERÂ Cody Halme
- HVAC/RÂ Kurt Beagley
- PLUMBERÂ Chaz Ehlers
- STEAMFITTERÂ Richard Eisenbeisz
Approximately 600 apprentice plumbers and fitters are in training at seven UA Local 290 training centers in Oregon and Eureka, Calif.
