ABC Keystone Training Facility

Contact: Kristi Pronovost
Director of Marketing & Communications
717.653.8106 or kristi@abckeystone.org

(MANHEIM, PA.) Five local apprentices received top scores at the ABC Keystone Annual Craft Competition on Saturday, September 21, 2019, held at the Chapter’s training facility in Manheim. Earning the top scores in their respective trades provides these apprentices the opportunity to move on to the 2020 ABC National Craft Competition to be held March 26, 2020, in Nashville, and they will each receive from the Chapter an all-expenses paid trip to the competition. All competitors received Home Depot gift cards in appreciation of their efforts.

The fourth-year top-scoring apprentices represented five trades: carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and sheet metal. ABC Keystone has a history of producing National Craft Championship medal winners representing the South Central PA area, and the Chapter will again be well-represented by these five apprentices in March 2020.

2019 ABC Keystone Local Craft Competition Top Scorers:

Competitor, Trade, Company, (Hometown)

  • Jarrad Fulgenzi, Sheet Metal, Frey Lutz Corp., (Lancaster)
  • Bradley Gerberich, HVAC, IJ Tech Mechanical Services, (Carlisle)
  • Sean Herr, Electrical, John E. Fullerton, Inc., (Lancaster)
  • Jeremy Spangler, Plumbing, Haller Enterprises, Inc., (Conestoga)
  • Brandon Thomas, Carpentry, Warfel Construction Company, (Ronks)

The timed competition followed a similar format as the upcoming National Competition, and apprentices were challenged to follow plans to craft projects that tested their skills, knowledge and attention to safety. The competition has two components: the written test, which counts for 25% of their total score; and the  practical “hands-on” competition, which counts for 75% of their total score. In addition to showcasing their top-quality work, the competitors must also adhere to strict safety standards. They are challenged throughout the day by having to maintain focus in a busy environment with spectators just as they will be at the National Competition.

We are very proud of all of the apprentices who competed in this competition,” said G. David Sload, President-CEO, ABC Keystone. “Their commitment to high quality craftsmanship and safety will serve them well as future craft professionals.”

The Keystone Chapter’s PA-registered apprenticeship program offers education in seven trades and focuses on hands-on training under the guidance of experienced instructors. To learn more, please visit abckeystonecenter.org.

ABC Keystone 2019 Craft Competition Top ScorersThe top scorers by trade (L-R):
Carpentry – Brandon Thomas, Warfel Construction Company;
Plumbing – Jeremy Spangler, Haller Enterprises, Inc.;
Electrical – Sean Herr, John E. Fullerton, Inc.;
HVAC – Bradley Gerberich, IJ Tech Mechanical Services;
and Sheet Metal – Jarrad Fulgenzi, Frey Lutz Corp.

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The Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) is a construction trade association based in Manheim, Pennsylvania, representing over 500 construction-related firms. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters nation-wide help members win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. Visit us at abckeystone.org.