ABC members and chapters a can send their best craft trainees to compete in the 2013 National Craft Championships (NCC), to be held April 30-May 3 in Birmingham, Ala. During this intense two-day event, young men and women compete in one of 13 competitions, representing 11 crafts. 

The NCC not only gives the trainees a chance to shine, it also highlights the craft training and apprenticeship efforts of ABC, its chapters and merit shop contractors, in addition to the skills, rewards and career milestones the construction industry offers. 

NCC competitors not only gain a sense of accomplishment, but often continue down a path to excellence both at their company and with ABC.  

“Being able to measure my skill-set amongst the best in the industry was a great sense of pride for me,” said Shon Smith, who was the gold medal winner in the 2008 sheet medal competition and now serves on the NCC committee. “The momentum from winning the gold propelled me into multiple roles with our local ABC chapter. My company saw the potential that I had to offer, and advanced me into a management role. The NCC was the catalyst that kick-started the rest of my career.” 

Don’t miss any opportunity to help develop the skills of the next generation of craftworkers; sponsor a craft trainee to compete in the 2013 National Craft Championships. The deadline for intent to compete forms is Dec. 7. Some crafts require additional planning and can accept only a limited number of competitors, so don’t delay in sending in the forms. Competitors will be accepted to compete on a first-come, first-served basis. 

This year’s competition will be held in conjunction with ABC’s new 21st Century Workforce Development Conference and the Student Chapter Construction Management Competition. To learn more, visit www.nationalcraftchampionships.org.