Craft Competition, Careers in Construction, National Apprenticeship Week

By: Cindy DeWire, Director of Apprenticeship, ABC Keystone

Fall is always a busy time at ABC Keystone with the start of Apprenticeship classes in September, the annual Local Craft Competition, Careers in Construction Month in October and National Apprenticeship Week in November.

The 2022-23 Apprenticeship year began September 7th with new Apprentice Orientation. More than 150 new apprentices and company reps attended the event, starting their education and the requirements of registered apprenticeship. The 2022-2023 Apprenticeship Trust budget was based on enrolling 392 apprentices and we’re happy to report that goal was met, and 394 apprentices are attending classes at Keystone. We applaud and recognize each of these apprentices for their commitment and dedication to their chosen trade.

October was Careers in Construction Month and Keystone ABC held many events and gave presentations to increase our partnerships and the public’s awareness of the many construction career opportunities. The Local Craft Competition was held on Saturday, October 1st with 11 apprentices vying for the opportunity to compete at the National Craft Competition in Kissimmee, Florida in March 2023. We applaud these individuals for their craftsmanship, commitment, and time.

Carpentry:
Brandon Anchant; Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Matthew Flores: Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Brett Travis; Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Charles Miller; Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.

Electrical: (Keystone sending 2 electrical competitors)
Evan Williams; Haller Enterprises
Cayden Heiselman; D&T Electric – very close 2nd so he will be attending the National Competition in March
Cory Clites; Cyprium Solutions, Inc.

Plumbing:
Richard Barnhart; Frey Lutz Corp.
David Barth; James Craft & Son, Inc.
Leah Hoptak, James Craft & Son, Inc.
Lucas Teare; James Craft & Son, Inc.

Over 220 middle school students attended Construction Wars at the Keystone facility on October 11, 12 and 13. ABC staff continue to visit schools and industry partners to make their students aware of apprenticeship and the viable construction career opportunities. Cindy DeWire and Amber Schnader, Warfel Construction Co., presented pre-apprenticeship and co-op opportunities to teachers and schools in State College at the statewide PCEA Conference. Garden Spot High School brought 19 co-op students to the Keystone facility to tour the building and learn about registered apprenticeship. We appreciate these opportunities and are always looking to work with other schools and industry professionals to continue to make all individuals aware of the vast construction career paths.

The 8th Annual National Apprenticeship week will be observed the week of November 14th. During this week, ABC staff will be recognizing our apprentices and providing baked treats for them as a small token of appreciation for being in our program and making their education and priority in their career path. “I personally thank each apprentice for their commitment and having the opportunity to meet and work with each of them,” said Cindy DeWire, Director of Apprenticeship.

For more information on apprentices, and career exploration for schools and students, please contact Cindy or Stephanie.