News:
Construction Design & Engineering
Posted: April 19, 2019
ABC Mass. member, O’Dowd of DECCO, wins National Craft Championship medal
Woburn, MA Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts and its training affiliate, the Gould Construction Institute, said that Sean O’Dowd, an employee of member company DECCO, took home the gold medal in pipefitting at the 32nd annual National Craft Championships during ABC Convention 2019 in Long Beach, CA. NCC showcases the best of the best craft professionals in the construction industry.
The NCC featured a field of 168 craft professionals competing for top honors in 14 competitions representing 12 crafts, from electrical and plumbing to carpentry and welding, as well as a team competition with journey-level competitors from four different crafts working to complete a joint project. The competition includes a two-hour written exam and a day-long, hands-on practical performance test.
“Sean was competing against skilled craftsmen who do pipefitting work every day,” said ABC Massachusetts president Greg Beeman. “Even thought that isn’t the case for Sean, he proved himself to be the best pipefitter.”
O’Dowd, 23, is in the final year of a three-year pipefitting apprenticeship at DECCO. He plans to sit for the pipefitter exam within a year; possibly as early as this summer.
He made it to Long Beach by winning the pipefitting category at the Massachusetts Chapter’s craft championship competition, which was held at Greater Lawrence Technical School. The regional craft championship is coordinated and executed by the team at Gould Construction Institute (GCI).
“Sean’s accomplishment is another example of the dedication of ABC member companies and their employees to safety and training,” said GCI President Julie Kelliher.
Started in 1987, NCC is a part of ABC’s effort to raise the profile of careers in construction and highlight the $1.1 billion that ABC member companies spend annually on workforce development. Each year the competition draws some of the nation’s most talented craft professionals and highlights the important role that craft skills education plays in the construction industry.
Milwaukee Tool, an industry-leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools, is the official tool sponsor of this year’s NCC. Milwaukee Tool provided tools, safety equipment and prizes for NCC competitors.
A full list of NCC winners can be found on ABC’s website
MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering
Timberline Construction Corp. completes renovations for Neurology and Infusion Center of New England
Foxborough, MA Timberline Construction Corp. (Timberline) has completed a 20,000 s/f healthcare construction project for the Neurology and Infusion Center of New England at 18 Washington St. The full interior renovation transforms an existing two-story medical office building into a purpose-built outpatient care environment that doubles the center’s clinical footprint, expands services and positions the growing practice for its next chapter.
.jpg)
Quick Hits
Columns and Thought Leadership
ABC-Mass. chairman’s message: Rent control isn’t the answer to our housing crisis - by Luiza Mills
As you may know, Massachusetts voters will be weighing in on a number of ballot initiatives in November. Among them is a proposal to impose the nation’s strictest statewide rent control policy. I’d like to tell you why the ABC MA Board
Navigating tariffs and material uncertainty in today’s construction market - by Karl Ginand and Tiffany Gallo
As headlines around tariffs seem to dominate the news daily, many considering construction projects have anticipated major cost escalations and widespread supply issues. While tariffs haven’t driven pricing spikes to the extent once feared, the lasting impact has been a new layer of uncertainty, affecting more than just budgets.
It’s time to lead: Confronting mental health in construction - by David Watts
As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, we must be clear: May isn’t just about ribbons, hashtags, or lunchtime mindfulness apps. It’s about responsibility to confront hard truths that linger in silence, and to challenge ourselves, as leaders in our industry, to do more.
Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza nears completion - by Frank Picozzi
After several years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the community is eagerly awaiting the opening of the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza and outdoor skating rink later this month.