Skill, preparation, and pride were on full display.
The 2026 Northwest Regional Council Apprentice Competition brought 39 apprentices to Sheet Metal Institute in Portland, Oregon April 28 to 30, 2026. The event included three days of hands-on competition, industry connection, and recognition for apprentices from Alaska, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
Representing five SMART Local Unions, apprentices competed in Architectural, HVAC, Industrial, Service, and Screw Off categories. Each event tested the technical skills, focus, and problem solving that apprentices build throughout their training.
The competition gave apprentices an opportunity to represent their local unions, training centers, instructors, and the broader sheet metal trade. It also gave them a chance to measure their skills under pressure.
Throughout the event, apprentices described a mix of nerves, uncertainty, confidence, and reflection. Some said they did not know what to expect. Others said they wished they had practiced more. Many walked away feeling proud of their work and grateful for the experience.
That is part of the value of competition.
It creates a setting where apprentices can test what they know, learn from their peers, and see the standard of work being developed across the region.
Dustin Comer, first place winner in the Industrial category, captured that mindset with a memorable comment before competing.
“I didn’t come here to compete. I came here to show everyone what the standard is.”
The awards banquet recognized apprentices for their performance and the commitment it took to reach this level.
Honoring the 2026 Top Performers
Architectural
1st Place: Kelly Grounds, Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, Local 66 Everett
2nd Place: Jack Cate, Sheet Metal Training Center SE Washington NE Oregon, Local 55 Spokane
3rd Place: Logan Pollock, Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, Local 66 DuPont
HVAC
1st Place: Hestin Hill, Southwest Central Idaho Sheet Metal Workers JATC, Local 55 Boise
2nd Place: Josiah Olels, Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, Local 66 DuPont
3rd Place: Trevor Powell, Sheet Metal Training Center SE Washington NE Oregon, Local 55 Spokane
Industrial
1st Place: Dustin Comer, Sheet Metal Institute, Local 16 Springfield
2nd Place: Chris Allen, Southwest Central Idaho Sheet Metal Workers JATC, Local 55 Boise
3rd Place: Brady Cummings, Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, Local 66 DuPont
Service
1st Place: Spenser Dorsey, Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, Local 66 DuPont
2nd Place: Stephen Kagerer, Montana Sheet Metal Workers JATC, Local 103 Montana
3rd Place: Hans Dow, Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship, Local 23 Alaska
Screw Off Competition
1st Place: Spencer Dorsey, Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC, Local 66 DuPont
The event was supported by sponsors Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt, and Helmets to Hard Hats. Photography was provided by Second Story Marketing Group.
For Sheet Metal Institute, the competition was a strong reminder of what apprenticeship training makes possible. Apprenticeship builds technical ability, but it also builds confidence, discipline, professionalism, and pride in the trade.
Every apprentice who competed contributed to the success of the event. Each one stepped into a challenging environment and represented their program with commitment.
Congratulations to all competitors and winners of the 2026 Northwest Regional Council Apprentice Competition.
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