2018 Ohio State Pipe Trades Apprentice Competition

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio- An Apprentice and Training Committee in Cambridge is hosting a graduation ceremony that’s very different from your standard school send off.

The 2018 Ohio State Pipe Trades Apprentice Competition put more than 40 contestants against each other to see who among them is the best in the state. All contestants are completing a five-year apprenticeship from a United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Unions. Ohio has 14 such Local Unions throughout the state.

“We choose one contestant in each of the areas. It is kind of a send-off because it’s a big event for them. They go home with lots of prizes and lots of gifts plus they get to showcase all their talents,” said training coordinator James Young.

This is the second largest contest in the country and winners of each category will go on to a regional contest and then possibly an international contest. Rich Ketchum is looking to become of those winners.

“We get to come out here and met all the other apprentices from all the other locals. and it’s nice that all you’re hard work paid off over five years. You get to come out and show everybody, what you can do,” said Ketchum.

For more information, you can visit the UA Local 495 website.