Local plumber takes first place in worldwide apprenticeship contest

“You were here amongst the best, and you had to be your best if you had a chance to come out on top,” shared 40-year-old winner, Travis Sharp. 

Sharp, a plumber at Area Mechanical Services in Rockford, competed in the United Association International Apprenticeship Competition, advancing locally and the state, the district, and internationally. 

“There was four different written tests you had to do, there was multiple pipe projects that we had to do, and it was very intense. Very intense and it was very technical. You had to be right on,” explained Sharp. 

Sharp said he is floored to have won first place. 

“I could not believe that they read my name. I want to make sure that whoever hires me to do their work, they walk up behind me, and they can see what I’ve given them. And they know that what they paid for that work is justified. The work that we do keeps the world rolling,” said Sharp.

Project manager Zachary Simmons said he is proud to have someone like Sharp to represent their company.

“Travis is one of a kind. He is a guy that works hard. He shows up daily, and I wish there were a hundred more like him. Let’s face it, they get forgotten about until someone needs a plumber. I hope the younger generations can see that and say one day, that I want to do that,” explained Simmons. 

Sharp said he’s far from done and not only wants to improve himself but also help the next generation.

“We have to keep raising that bar every day. And that’s our responsibility now, is to continue the work that we do. But we need to make sure that we’re pouring ourselves into the younger generation to make them better,” said Sharp.