Nashua, NH According to DECCO, three apprentices will be competing at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National Craft Championships (NCC) this February. This annual event, set to take place as part of the ABC Convention, showcases the nation’s top craft apprentices as they demonstrate their exceptional skills and commitment to safety.

The three apprentices who will represent DECCO are:

• Dan Wilson – Competing in the Pipefitting Competition
• Jon Farr – Competing in the GTAW (TIG) Pipe Welding Competition
• Owen Kepple – Competing in the SMAW (Stick) Pipe Welding Competition

Each of these apprentices has worked hard to secure their place at the Nationals. In November, Wilson earned first place at the ABC Massachusetts Chapter’s Local Craft Championships (LCC), securing his spot in the National competition. In December, Farr and Kepple both emerged victorious in DECCO's internal Weld-Off Competition, with Farr winning the TIG welding category and Kepple taking first in stick welding. Kepple, who won the TIG Welding Competition at last year’s LCC and earned a bronze medal at the Nationals, will join Wilson and Farr in Las Vegas this year to compete in the Stick Welding Competition.

The National Craft Championships are an essential part of the ABC Convention, with competitors vying for gold while demonstrating skills in craft interdependency and planning. The event provides a platform for apprentices to demonstrate their technical expertise and adherence to safe work practices, reflecting the high standards they have cultivated during their training. With more than 190 competitors across 16 disciplines and 12 craft categories, the event is a premier opportunity for apprentices to showcase their abilities and emphasize the importance of safety and workmanship in the construction industry. 

As the event approaches, Wilson, Farr, and Kepple will proudly represent DECCO and their craft, competing for gold in their respective categories. Their participation in this national competition highlights the exceptional training and mentorship they have received through DECCO's Apprenticeship Program.

DECCO will be supporting their talented apprentices as they showcase their hard work, skill, and dedication at the ABC National Craft Championships in Las Vegas this February 26th.