SkillsUSA Competition Showcases Rising Plumbing Talent

SkillsUSA’s National Plumbing Competition took place in Atlanta this year, drawing 48 students from across the U.S. to the Georgia World Congress Center. Competitors, representing high schools, vocational programs, technical schools, and post-secondary institutions from across the country, earned their place on the national stage by advancing through local and state-level competitions. The event, held as part of the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC), showcased the rigorous selection process that ensures only the most prepared and skilled students participate. The competition’s focus on real-world plumbing skills reflects the industry’s emphasis on practical training and hands-on experience.

Over a day and a half of competition, students completed a demanding hands-on plumbing project that required them to rough-in a bathroom using copper, PVC, and cast-iron piping systems. The timed challenge tested practical installation skills, knowledge of plumbing systems, proficiency with cutting and assembly tools, and the ability to work accurately under pressure. Nearly all participants successfully completed the project, demonstrating the high level of preparation and technical knowledge required to reach the national competition. The tasks mirrored those found in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of precision, time management, and adherence to industry standards.

The 2026 National Plumbing Competition winners included a range of standout performers across the Secondary Division. Gold medalists Beckham Dickson of Davis Technical College, Kaysville, Utah were joined by silver and bronze medalists from institutions across multiple states. Secondary Division silver medalist Joseph Grzegorczyk of Bay Arenac ISD Career Center in Michigan and bronze medalist Parker Haydt of Bethlehem AVTS in Pennsylvania showcased the geographic diversity of the competition.

The competition comes as the plumbing-heating-cooling industry continues to face a growing need for skilled workers. According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the p-h-c industry will require approximately 114,500 new workers by 2028. Industry leaders view events such as the SkillsUSA Championships as a critical pipeline for developing the next generation of plumbing professionals. The PHCC Educational Foundation has supported the National Plumbing Competition for decades through its partnership with SkillsUSA and other industry organizations focused on workforce development and skilled trades education. “The National Plumbing Competition shines a light on one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs in America that doesn’t require a four-year degree,” said Dan Quinonez, Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation. “Each year, we see a surge of interest from students across the country eager to participate in local competitions just to get a shot at competing here in Atlanta. Our hope is that events like this one will inspire people of all backgrounds to enter the trades, make it a career and help us close that skills gap.”

The 2026 National Plumbing Competition was made possible through support from numerous industry organizations and manufacturers, including the American Supply Association (ASA), Bernzomatic, Bradford White, BrassCraft, the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI), Charlotte Pipe & Foundry, Copper Development Association Inc., Delta Faucet, Home Depot Pro, IAPMO, Kohler, McWane, Milwaukee Tool, MrPEX Systems, Oatey, Rheem, Sioux Chief, Tyler Pipe & Coupling, Viega, and Zoeller. Their contributions helped provide the materials, equipment, and resources needed to conduct the competition and expose students to products and technologies used throughout the plumbing industry. This collaboration ensures that students gain familiarity with industry-standard tools and materials, enhancing their readiness for real-world careers.

The SkillsUSA Championships remain one of the largest hands-on workforce development events in the world, bringing together the nation’s top career and technical education students to compete across a wide range of skilled trade and leadership disciplines. This year’s conference attracted nearly 20,000 attendees and featured 7,002 state champions competing in 115 different contests. The 2027 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference is scheduled for June 21–25 in Atlanta, continuing the event’s tradition of supporting skilled trades education and workforce development. To learn more about the PHCC Educational Foundation, visit www.phccfoundation.org. To learn more about SkillsUSA, visit www.skillsusa.org.