ABC Announces National Craft Championships Winners
Associated Builders and Contractors today announced the winners of its 2026 National Craft Championships, who were honored at ABC’s Careers in Construction Awards ceremony during ABC Convention 2026 in Salt Lake City on March 20.
The 37th annual competition showcased the skills of more than 200 of the nation’s best craft professionals in trades like carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, power line and welding. The competitors vied for top honors in 15 competitions with skills on display in 11 crafts. The NCC includes a commercial team competition with journey-level craft professionals from different trades working to complete a joint project. The competition also included a two-hour online exam and a six-hour practical performance test.
“There are exciting opportunities to pursue multiple career paths in construction, and this national competition showcases exactly what those paths look like,” said 2026 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors Thomas “Murph” Murphy, vice president, Power & Construction Group, Scottsville, New York. “These champions are outstanding in their crafts and have a bright career path ahead of them. Congratulations to the honorees and all competitors, who are true craft professionals.”
Established in 1987, ABC’s National Craft Championships annually highlight the achievements of those who are the future of the construction industry. Craft trainees and apprentices travel from all over the country to demonstrate their superior skills, training and safe work practices and compete for top honors in their chosen craft. For the training sponsors, employers and ABC chapters, the NCC demonstrates a strong commitment to the career paths that the construction industry offers.
ABC’s all-of-the-above approach to workforce development has produced a network of ABC chapters across the country that offer more than 800 apprenticeship, craft, safety and management education programs—including more than 450 government-registered apprenticeship programs across 20 different occupations—to build the people who build America.
Milwaukee Tool, an industry-leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools, has been the official tool sponsor of the NCC since 2019. The company provides tools, personal protective equipment, storage and prizes for NCC competitors. The competition is supported by volunteers, generous sponsors and in-kind contributors who plan and execute this event each year. For more information, visit abc.org/ncc.
View the full list of winners of the 2026 National Craft Championships.
