“For 36 years, this national construction competition has showcased the outstanding abilities and achievements of the future of the industry,” said 2025 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors David Pugh, Partner, Bradley, Birmingham, Alabama. “These champions demonstrated superior skills and safe work practices during the 36th annual championships, which hosted competitors from dozens of states and all corners of the nation. Join me in congratulating these true craft professionals for their successes and applaud them for what they will go on to accomplish in their careers in construction.”
The Future of the Industry
Established in 1987, ABC presents the National Craft Championships annually to highlight the achievements of the people who represent the future of the construction industry. Craft trainees and apprentices travel from across the country to demonstrate their superior skills, training and safe work practices and compete for top honors in their chosen craft. For the training sponsors, employers and ABC chapters, the NCC demonstrates a staunch commitment to the career paths the construction industry offers.
“Many [participants] go through a local competition at their local chapter to get the honor of representing us at the national level,” Carla Kugler, President and CEO of ABC New Mexico and a coordinator for the championships, said. “I can speak for my chapter when I say it’s a big deal to even get to that point. Many compete against dozens of craft trainees or apprentices locally to get chosen.”
Both locally and nationally, competitors are supported by their sponsoring chapter, their employer and in many cases friends and family. It is common to see families wearing T-shirts with their competitors’ name, cheering them on during the competition.
“It’s a testament to the commitment our industry puts into its people,” Kugler continued. “Skilled craftspeople are a dying breed, the need is big, and I’m honored to be part of the heavy lift of putting the skilled trades back on the radar of our country.”