2025 Northwest Regional Event Displays Skill, Dedication, and Craftmanship
From May 13 – 15, Pasco, Washington hosted the 2025 Northwest Regional Apprentice Competition, drawing 35 of the most skilled apprentices from SMART union training centers across the Northwest. Over 150 attendees, including family members, instructors, union leadership, and national industry representatives, gathered to witness the three-day showcase of hands-on talent, professionalism, and industry pride.
A Word from Industry Leaders
Michael Harris, Executive Director of the Sheet Metal Industry Institutes, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch apprentices bring to life the skills they’ve developed both in the classroom and out in the field.”
Will Thompson, Executive Director of Training for the Sheet Metal Institute, added, “The competition was outstanding. It was well-organized, full of energy, and a clear reflection of the hard work that went into planning. I’m especially looking forward to 2026, when the contest comes to the Sheet Metal Institute.”
Friendly Competition in Five Core Categories
Held at the Sheet Metal Training Center for SE Washington/NE Oregon, the competition featured challenges in Architectural, HVAC, Industrial, Service, and Virtual Lift, with a spirited Screw Off competition closing out the event. Apprentices had a chance to relax and connect between events thanks to a Cornhole game provided by Helmet to Hard Hats. Prize packages from DeWalt and Milwaukee Tool rewarded winners in each category.
Honoring the 2025 Top Performers
Architectural
1st Place – Jordan Bovee, Local 55
2nd Place – Edwin Graham, Local 16
3rd Place – Kelly Grounds, Local 66
HVAC
1st Place – Malachi Walbridge, Local 16
2nd Place – Ethan Sabutis, Local 66
3rd Place – Jason Schmitt, Local 66
Industrial
1st Place – Danny Evans, Local 66
2nd Place – Kenneth Moos, Local 55
3rd Place – Matthew Lowman, Local 23
Service
1st Place – Spenser Dorsey, Local 66
2nd Place – Stephen Kagerer, Local 103
3rd Place – Aaron Meaker, Local 66
Virtual Lift
1st Place – Jordan Bovee, Local 55
2nd Place – Corey Schumacher, Local 103
Screw Off
1st Place – Mason Bond, Local 55
2nd Place – Cody Kane, Local 55
Celebrating a Job Well Done
An awards dinner at the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center capped off the competition, bringing together participants, sponsors, and organizers for a night of celebration. Congratulations to all the winners for their incredible performances. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the planning committee whose hard work and dedication made this event possible.
We’ll see you next year at the Sheet Metal Institute in Portland, Oregon!
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