NYS Pipe Trades Olympics
Peekskill, NY – Just as athletes around the world strive for Olympic glory, 27 pipe trades apprentices from all over the Empire State vie for a chance to showcase their skills at the national level through the prestigious “New York State Pipe Trades Competition” of the United Association (UA).
Scheduled from May 16th to 17th, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the UA Local 21 Campus at 1024 McKinley Street, Peekskill, New York, this event promises to captivate participants and spectators alike, including aspiring tradespersons from BOCES and Westchester Community College, providing them with a firsthand glimpse into the intricate craft and its practitioners in action.
"The talent showcased here by apprentices is crucial for companies like Regeneron or IBM, which produce life-saving medicines and cutting-edge technology, including the chips that power popular video games,” said Greg Lancette, President at New York State Pipe Trades. "Their work builds the systems that manufacture products essential not only for powering the world but also for heating homes, operating hospitals, providing running water, and ultimately, saving lives."
Starting at 8:00 AM and ending at 5:00 PM each day, the schedule was as follows:
· Day 1 (May 16): Skills Competition
· Day 2 (May 17): Skills Competition
Days one and two marked the pinnacle of the event, with apprentices showcasing their skills in welding, brazing, HVAC systems, soldering, and more.
The NYS Pipe Trades Competition has become a cornerstone event for the pipe trades industry, attracting apprentices from across New York State.
This year's event featured 27 contestants from 12 UA locals across NYS competing in disciplines such as HVAC, Pipefitter, Plumber, Sprinklerfitter, and Welder.
Building on the success of previous years, the competition once again offered a platform for apprentices to showcase their skills in a series of challenging tasks. From welding and brazing to HVAC installation and blueprint reading, contestants will demonstrate their proficiency in key areas essential to the pipe trades industry.
One of the highlights of the competition was the opportunity for apprentices to earn certifications and prestigious accolades. Winners of the state competition have the chance to advance to regional and national levels, further cementing their status as top professionals in the field.
"We're thrilled to host the New York State Pipe Trades Competition once again," said Thomas O'Brien, Business Manager of UA Local 21. "This event not only celebrates the exceptional talent within our industry but also highlights the importance of skilled trades in building and maintaining critical infrastructure."
