International Apprentice Contest

Chuck is a 37 year member of Local 502 in Louisville, Kentucky, where he dedicated his career to advancing the skills, leadership, and professionalism of the piping industry. He served as Training Coordinator from 2013 until his retirement in September 2021, helping shape the future of the trade through hands on leadership and curriculum development.
Chuck discovered his passion for teaching shortly after graduating from the apprentice program in 1996. For the next 25 years, he taught a wide range of HVAC courses to first through fifth year apprentices, shaping the next generation of tradespeople. He holds an associate’s degree in applied science of Pipefitting and maintains a Kentucky HVAC Master/Journeyman license.
In 2005, Chuck graduated from the UA Instructor Training Program, an achievement that opened the door to teaching at the national level. He went on to spend 15 years instructing and certifying United Association members on Mitsubishi City Multi VRF systems, becoming a trusted expert and mentor throughout the industry.
His commitment to apprenticeship training earned statewide recognition. In 2023, Chuck was appointed by Governor Andy Beshear to serve on Kentucky’s Apprentice Council, where he contributed three years of guidance on statewide apprenticeship standards.
In 2025, he was honored to except the appointment as Chairman of the International Apprentice Committee, continuing his long-standing commitment to strengthening training across the United Association.

Al is a 30-year member of Local 324 Victoria British Columbia. He has been a full time Instructor since 2006 teaching Steamfitting, Plumbing and Gas Fitter day classes. Al graduated the Instructor Training Program in 2009 and he holds Canadian Interprovincial Red Seal Certifications as a Steamfitter/Pipefitter and as a Plumber.  Al was involved in local, provincial and District 6 Competitions prior to being appointed to the INAC Committee in 2024.

Donald started his apprenticeship at Local 396 in Boardman, Ohio 1980 and was initiated in 1981. He began teaching as a welding instructor for his local in 1999. He also serves on the Apprenticeship Committee at his Local as well. Brother Jessop graduated from ITP as an instructor in 2003, became an ATR in 2000, and a CWI in 2007. He started helping in the Apprenticeship Contest in 2011 before being appointed to the Committee in 2023.

Joe was initiated into Local 690 Metal Trades Division, Philadelphia, PA in 1973 and transferred into the Apprentice Program at Local 692, Philadelphia, PA in 1974. Brother Mathews attended classes at IPT starting in 2000, and after graduating from the program in 2003 taught classes for Star Sprinkler Fitter and First Aid and Basic Life Support. He became a training instructor in 2000 and in 2002 the training coordinator at Local 692. Brother Mathews served on many committees for A.S.S.E., NFPA and the U.A. Bookstore Committee until his retirement in 2016. In 2017 he was appointed to the International Apprentice Contest Committee by the General President.

Kevin Wyngaard was initiated into Local 458 (now Local 400) in Appleton, WI, in 1982, turning out in 1986. He started in the Instructor Training Program in 1991, graduating in 1995. He continued taking classes in Ann Arbor and taught two different courses there: Pneumatic Controls and Ammonia Refrigeration. Kevin taught night classes at Local 400, starting as soon as he turned out to journeyworker status. In the year 2000, he became a full-time day instructor and continued in that role for 22 years, continuing to do part-time instruction after retirement. Kevin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Career Technical Education and Training in 2004. He has been on numerous committees at Local 400, as well as serving as their recording secretary for 18 years. He became the International Apprentice Contest HVAC Committee chairman in 2022.

Paul is a 27 year member of Plumbers Local 98 in Detroit, MI and served as Program Director/Training Coordinator for the apprenticeship program from 2016 until his retirement in July of 2021. Paul graduated The International Training Program in 2004 and co-taught Plumbing Service, Maintenance and Repair at ITP from 2006 until 2019. He joined the International Apprentice Contest Committee in 2021. Brother Baker holds a State of Michigan Master Plumber license and an Associate in Applied Science from Washtenaw Community College. He is a 23 year member of the Michigan Chapter of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) and ASSE International where he served on the Board of Directors and has earned recognition for his work as an ASSE International Fellow.