Ten apprentices, one from each HFIAW conference, gathered in Orlando, Fla., in late June for the 2024 Master Apprentice Competition, and a fourth-year apprentice from Local 34 Minneapolis was named the “best of the best” in the annual showcase of our union’s apprenticeship training programs.   

The MAC was held in conjunction with the Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund’s (IIIATF) annual Joint Apprentice Conference (JAC) at the DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld. That’s where Jordan Haller, the apprentice representing the Midwest States Conference, hoisted the redesigned trophy during the annual dinner dance that concludes the week of events. 

“It felt great to win,” Haller said after his name was announced. “The hard work paid off.”

This year’s competition marked the 20th year where the top HFIAW apprentices are challenged to demonstrate their skills in a friendly competition. This year’s mock-up included a three-tier cake symbolizing the event’s “birthday, along with other elements representing Florida tourism.

After winning competitions at their home Locals and then triumphing at the HFIAW Conference level, the top 10 apprentices earned the trip to Orlando for the final competition, which was held alongside the IIIATF’s annual Joint Apprentice Conference (JAC). determined who would be recognized as the best in our union.

The competition kicked off with a written test challenging the apprentices’ knowledge and expertise. After the test, the competitors got their first look at the competition project, along with some instructions from the proctors and a brief pep talk by IIIATF Administrator John Stahl.

Retired IIIATF Administrator Thomas A. Haun led the proctor team, joined by retired Local 14 Philadelphia Instructors John Sullivan and Lewis Fitzgerald and retired Local 12 New York Instructor David Sokia. 

The next day, the competitors gathered for breakfast together, but at precisely 6:30 a.m., they began working on their projects. Most started by reviewing the “project specs” to develop a strategy for completing the work in the 22.5 hours allocated. 

Some apprentices tackled the most complex parts first, while others started with different elements. Despite their varied approaches, all competitors displayed unwavering concentration and dedication throughout the event.

Before returning to the competition on Day 2, the MAC competitors attended the JAC opening session, where they were introduced to the gathering for instructors and training coordinators. 

The work is divided into two parts and judged at the completion of each section. First, the judges evaluate the rough-in work, inspecting the actual application of the various forms of insulation. The same group of judges returned to grade the finished project. 

The following Brothers and Sisters were selected to judge the work of the 10 competitors: Local 6 Boston Training Coordinator Dan Kirwin, Local 24 Washington, D.C. Training Coordinator Jimmy Hoos, Local 18 Indianapolis Training Coordinator Todd Conn, Local 53 New Orleans Training Coordinator Garret Gigilio, Local 69 Salt Lake City Training Coordinator Rob Cochran, Local 7 Seattle/Anchorage Training Coordinator Brian Kinsman, Local 95 Toronto Training Coordinator Trevor Weir, Local 110 Training Coordinator Brittany Davidson, Local 1 St. Louis Training Coordinator Bob Ackman and Local 80 Charleston Training Coordinator Todd Motz. 

Celebrating the competitors

JAC and MAC participants were joined by family members and other HFIAW members for the MAC dinner dance, marking the completion of both events. Stahl made the opening remarks, welcoming and expressing his gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making both events a success.

General President Terry Larkin also spoke. He acknowledged the hard work of each competitor and shared his belief that all of them had a bright future ahead they represent the industry.

All 10 competitors were called forward and presented with commemorative watches. Each competitor also receives a scholarship to attend all five years of the Trainer Enhancement Course that the IIIATF offers each year. 

Haun then announced Haller as the winner, and he was presented the newly redesigned Thomas A. Haun Cup. He was mobbed by other members from his Local and his fellow competitors. They posed for pictures, capturing the joy of Haller’s achievement.

Local 34 Business Agent Bill Meyer praised Haller’s efforts, saying, “I am beyond proud of Jordan’s work. He showed immense dedication throughout the week.”

Local 34 Business Manager Albert Byers, III added, “As a member of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 34, Jordan has made all of us proud with his outstanding performance. …We are confident that this is just the beginning of a very bright future in our Industry.”

Reflecting on the event, Stahl expressed how impressed he was with all 10 MAC participants and the other apprentices who participated in the various conference-level competitions. 

“The future of this Union and the industry as a whole is looking bright,” he said. “The talent I witnessed at the International and conference levels is truly exciting.” 

Before the ceremony concluded and further celebration took place, it was announced that the 2025 MAC will be held next June in Chicago.