Eight Iowans, including a man who works in Atlantic, will be among the 200 craft trainees and apprentices from across the country traveling to Long Beach, California on March 18 – 20 to compete in the annual National Craft Championships competition, hosted by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). For competitors, the National Craft Championships allows them to demonstrate their superior skills, training and safe work practices all while representing their state on a national level. Five Iowa apprentices qualified for the national competition during ABC of Iowa’s state event this fall and three are sponsored and trained by Interstates Companies in Sioux Center, an ABC of Iowa member.

There are 15 competitions and 12 crafts. Each competition consists of a written exam and a practical performance test, testing apprentices’ skills during a six-hour project. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers in each craft. Among the eight apprentices representing Iowa in California next week, is Michael Jensen from Camblin Mechanical, Inc. in Atlantic – for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning).

Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa is a non-profit construction trade association that boasts the largest construction apprenticeship-training program in the state. ABC members build commercial buildings, industrial plants, municipal and public works projects, roads and highways, homes and provide an array of construction services. For more information, visit www.abciowa.org.