UA Apprentices Demonstrate Excellence at the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association’s 2026 State Apprentice Contest
We are proud to highlight the next generation of fire sprinkler professionals who embody the craftsmanship, safety culture, and technical skill that make our industry vital to community fire protection.
On March 18–19, apprentices from United Association Pipefitters and Steamfitters locals across Minnesota convened at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 6 Training Center in Rochester for the Minnesota Pipe Trades Association’s 2026 State Apprentice Contest. Eleven locals competed, with winners advancing to the UA District 4 Contest in Chicago this June.
This annual event showcases the state’s top emerging talent—individuals preparing to lead the industry in installation quality, system reliability, and lifesafety excellence. For fire sprinkler apprentices Benjamin Hanson (Local 669) with Summit Fire Protection and Sawyer Nelson (Local 417) with J.F. Ahern Co., the contest was a chance to demonstrate their growing expertise in a trade that protects schools, businesses, homes, and first responders.
Apprentice training under the JATC is jointly administered by contractors and union representatives, all playing a vital, and equal role in the training effort.
Their work was evaluated by NFSA partners and longtime sprinkler educators:
Michael Zurek, Technology & Codes Coordinator, Sprinkler Fitters UA Local 669 JATC.
Brad Hopping, Training Director, Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 JATC.
Craig Bistodeau, Retired, Sprinkler Fitters Local 417 JATC.
Q&A With the Fire Sprinkler Competitors
What inspired you to pursue the fire sprinkler trade?
Ben: “I like the challenge… and I’m protecting firemen and property so people can get out safely.”
Sawyer: “I’m a second generation 417 fitter… after college wasn’t for me, I joined the trades.”
How has apprenticeship shaped your career?
Ben: “It prepared me for unknown challenges… I’m better at math now than I ever was.”
Sawyer: “It lays the groundwork for doing sprinkler work and knowing the code.”
Why did you join the contest?
Sawyer: “I heard there was swag—and I wanted to beat some of my classmates.”
Are you competitive?
Sawyer: “I’m more focused on improving myself and not being afraid of failure.”
What part was most exciting or nerve-wracking?
Sawyer: “Nervous about the whole thing, but excited for the project.”
Ben: “The testing. Not knowing what to expect made me nervous, but I knew I could handle the offsets.”
What does the public often overlook?
Ben: “They’re not coat hangers.”
Sawyer: “People don’t understand how systems work or where the water comes from.”
Skill you’re most proud of?
Ben: “Offsets… algebra finally makes sense.”
Your approach to jobsite safety?
Ben: “Assess risks, use the right equipment, and know when conditions aren’t safe. Safety comes first.”
Sawyer Nelson – Local 417
Benjamin Hanson – Local 669
How does your work contribute to fire and life safety?
Ben: “Service and maintenance protect my community—and my own loved ones.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sawyer: “Service fitter. I want to specialize in pre-action and dry valves.”
Advice for future apprentices?
Ben: “If you’re afraid of heights, don’t do it.”
Sawyer: “Show up on time. Follow directions. Be okay with being the new guy.”
Most memorable moment?
Ben: “Retrofitting a 100-year-old church… climbing above the bell tower to install a head.”
Sawyer: “A warehouse project where we had to figure everything out ourselves—big learning moment.”
Proctor Spotlight: NFSA Partners & Industry Leaders
What inspired your career?
Craig: “Family. It became a career I’ve known since childhood.”
What keeps you committed to the trade?
Brad: “Life safety—and training the next generation the right way.”
What advancement has made a major industry impact?
Michael: “UA’s dedication to improving mental health. We’re changing the culture.”
How has the apprenticeship program shaped your skills?
Craig: “Allowed me proficiency in a trade that required licensure—to flourish as a journeyman and foreman. It taught me leadership skills and a craft.”
Why do you proctor these events?
Michael: “Making something click for someone is a feeling you can’t replicate. It gives what I do purpose.”
Brad: “Attention to detail and code knowledge set great apprentices apart.”
Advice for emerging fitters
Michael: “We install systems that protect families, schools, and hospitals. It’s more than construction—it’s life safety.”
Michael: “You never learn it all. Continuous learning is key.”
Thank you to the sponsors who make this event possible:
MCAA Northern Mechanical / Plumbing Contractors Association and the Range PHCC
National Fire Sprinkler Association
Minnesota Pipe Trades Association
MN Mechanical Contractors Association
Milwaukee Tool
DeWalt
Lincoln Electric
Building Trades Credit Union
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 6