More than 200 of the nation’s top craft professionals gathered in Salt Lake City this spring for the 37th Annual Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National Craft Championships (NCC), held during ABC Convention 2026.
Hosted by ABC, the competition showcased the skill, professionalism and dedication of the next generation of construction craft professionals.
Competitors from across the country participated in rigorous written and hands-on competitions designed to test technical knowledge, safety practices and real-world jobsite performance across multiple trades including welding, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and pipefitting.
For ABC Greater Houston and the Construction & Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF), the event was especially meaningful as local students earned national recognition while competing against some of the best craft trainees in the country.
Among the standout achievements were:
- Alonzo Jesus Avila, sponsored by Austin Industrial, earned a Silver Medal in Structural Welding
- Eliazar Serrato, sponsored by Brown & Root Industrial Services, captured the Bronze Medal in Pipe Welding
Their accomplishments reflected not only personal dedication and discipline, but also the strength of the partnership between ABC Greater Houston, CMEF, educators and member companies committed to workforce development.
For decades, CMEF has played a vital role in advancing craft education and training opportunities throughout the Greater Houston region. Working alongside ABC Greater Houston, the foundation helps create career pathways for students, apprentices and individuals seeking meaningful careers in commercial and industrial construction. Through craft training, workforce initiatives, industry partnerships and educational outreach, CMEF continues to help address the skilled labor shortage while preparing the next generation of construction professionals.
The championships continue to reinforce the growing momentum behind construction workforce development initiatives nationwide. At a time when the industry faces persistent skilled labor shortages, events like the NCC serve as a critical platform for elevating the image of the trades and demonstrating the professionalism, innovation and technical expertise required to succeed in modern construction.
ABC’s workforce development network now includes hundreds of apprenticeships, craft training, safety and leadership programs throughout the country, including more than 450 government-registered apprenticeship programs.
For chapters like ABC Greater Houston and CMEF, the national competition represents the culmination of years of investment into workforce recruitment, training and career development. Local chapters and training foundations throughout the country spend countless hours mentoring trainees, supporting craft instructors and preparing competitors for the national stage.
The NCC also highlights the important role member companies play in developing the next generation of construction professionals. Contractors, suppliers, instructors and industry leaders collectively invest significant resources into training programs that create meaningful career pathways while strengthening the overall industry.
This year’s convention also celebrated several workforce development leaders through ABC’s Construction Workforce Awards, recognizing outstanding craft instructors, young professionals, safety leaders and craft professionals who continue to elevate the merit shop industry.
Beyond medals and recognition, the NCC provides something even more valuable: visibility. The event places a national spotlight on skilled trades and reinforces the message that construction offers rewarding, stable and well-paying career opportunities without requiring a traditional four-year college path.
For more information, visit abchouston.org.
