ABC Keystone Chapter Instructor NamedABC National 2025 Craft Instructor of the Year
MANHEIM, Pa., Feb. 26— Associated Builders and Contractors Keystone chapter announced today that Derek Robbins, HVAC director and sheet metal instructor, at ABC Keystone, was named the 2025 Craft Instructor of the Year. Robbins was honored at ABC Convention 2025 in Las Vegas on Feb. 25. Robbins is a full-time instructor at ABC Keystone and lives in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania with his family.
ABC presents the Craft Instructor of the Year Award annually to an outstanding instructor who demonstrates creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to transfer knowledge through communications skills and innovative teaching to promote lifelong learning to the future construction workforce.
“ABC Keystone is thrilled to see Derek receive this honor. He has been a vital part of transforming our HVAC program into a high-level educational program. Through his commitment to excellence, Derek serves as an instructor for his students and a dedicated mentor,” said Dave Sload, President-CEO.
Robbins, 49, orchestrates and refines HVAC and sheet metal curricula for the chapter, crafting intensive, four-year, comprehensive courses to meet the industry’s evolving demands. He integrates technologies like 3D simulations, engaging video content, and interactive visuals to enhance classroom instruction. With more than a dozen years of experience in the construction industry, Robbins spearheads programs that equip tradespeople with the knowledge needed to pass crucial certification exams. He also prepared the chapter’s top HVAC apprentice for the 2024 ABC National Craft Championships, where he went on to earn a gold medal in the competition.
“I am deeply committed to fostering excellence in the construction industry through comprehensive education and outreach—teaching apprentices is truly the highlight of my career,” said Robbins. “My role extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing hands-on training, mentorship and community engagement. Many apprentices desire additional hands-on training outside of regular classroom hours. To meet this need, I dedicate personal time to provide on-site instruction at jobsites or ABC Keystone after hours. My overarching goal is to make essential upskilling more accessible to all craft professionals, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to advance in their careers and stay current with industry standards.”
As Craft Instructor of the Year, Robbins received a $10,000 cash prize. Co-sponsors of the Craft Instructor of the Year are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the leading nonprofit construction education foundation that provides industry-recognized training, assessment, certification and career development solutions, and Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft professional staffing resource. Robbins will also be profiled in the June issue of Construction Executive magazine
The Craft Instructor of the Year Award is one of numerous ABC award programs that promote lifelong learning and achievement at every level of the construction industry. Learn more about ABC’s commitment to workforce development at workforce.abc.org.