Sheet Metal Institute in Portland was the host this month of the 2022 Northwest Regional Sheet Metal Apprentice Competition.
All told, 34 union sheet metal apprentices from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska put their skills to the test. That included seven apprentices from Portland-based Local 16: Dianna Loveall, Jalen Brooks, Nolan Milojevich, Jared Robeson, James Van Elverdinghe, Trey Thomas, and Colton Tavernier.
To compete, apprentices must be recommended by instructors. Depending on the specialty, the competitions involve multiple challenges, including reading and interpreting blueprints, brazing copper tubing, welding fan guards, fabricating and installing duct runs, and mitering and installing gutter downspouts.
Winners get bragging rights and a prize hammer etched with the category and how they placed.
This year four Local 16 members placed in their categories:
- HVAC 1st Place Nolan Milojevich of Arctic Sheet Metal
- Service 2nd Place Jalen Brooks of Hermanson
- Architectural 3rd Place Dianna Loveall of Apollo Sheet Metal
- Industrial 3rd Place Jared Robeson of Apollo Sheet Metal
