Associated Builders & Contractors Inc., Keystone Chapter (ABC Keystone) has announced that Kent Shaffer of Horst Construction Co., Lancaster, PA, placed second as a masonry competitor in the 2006 National Craft Championship at ABC’s National Convention held in Las Vegas, NV, in mid March.

There were more than 130 competitors representing multiple trades including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, sheet metal and masonry. All competitors were given a written exam and six hours to complete a project specific to their trade. Winners were determined based on craftsmanship, safety, efficient use of materials, completion of the project and accuracy.

This year’s competitors were selected from finalists who competed in ABC Keystone’s local competition in September 2005 during ABC Keystone’s Construction Rodeo. By winning first place in the local competition these apprentices were invited to compete in the ABC National Craft Championships.

Beginning in January 2006 each competitor began eight weeks of additional intensive training in order to prepare for the national championship. Mentors representing a variety of trades and local companies gave their personal time and resources to help prepare each competitor in both the written and practical portions of the competition.

The other four apprentices representing ABC Keystone in Las Vegas were Jared Maxwell (carpentry), R.G. Bortz Construction Co. Inc., Oley, PA; Nick Latchaw (electrical), Lefever Electric Inc., Manchester, PA; Chad Shimko (plumbing), James Craft & Son Inc., York Haven, PA; and Jim Baughman (sheet metal), Frey Lutz Corporation, Lancaster, PA.

Mike VanLeeuwen, manager, School of Craft Training, said, “This was a great way for these five students to end their apprenticeship training. This event was the culmination of four years of evening classes while holding down a full-time job. I believe each one would say it was well worth the personal sacrifices to be in the apprenticeship program. These competitors understand that training is the key to controlling your career path and income potential.”

For more information, call 717/653-8106 or visit www.abckeystone.org.

Today's top stories

Growing Interest in Construction Careers Among Younger People Means Jobs Filled, Deadlines Met

Larry Young Paving Tackles Grade-Separated Interchange in Texas

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

FIRSTGREEN Industries Launches ROCKEAT Electric Skid Steer Loader

'Tiltrotator Effect' Increases as Energy Consumption Goes Down

VIDEO: Birmingham, Ala., Awarded $14.5M Fed Grant to Revitalize Its 'Black Main Street'

Pettibone Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Cary-Lift

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project