Frank Wertz chosen as 2023 Apprentice of the Year

HARRIS -- The construction industry honored outstanding apprentices at what has become an annual event over the weekend. The Apprentice of the Year banquet was held by the Upper Peninsula Construction Council at the Island Resort and Casino on Saturday to recognize outstanding apprentices.

Frank Wertz of UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111 was named 2023 Apprentice of the Year. He received $1,000. 2023 finalists were Ean Bevins of UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111 and Seth Coburn of Millwrights Local 1510. They each received $500.

In all, 22 apprentices were nominated.

"Through our programs and events like this, we're raising awareness that these careers are available and you can earn a really good living with great benefits, and retire with dignity," said UPCC Executive Director Mike Smith.

2023 Apprentice of the Year Frank Wertz began his apprenticeship in September of 2020 and is projected to complete in September of 2025. He is known as a leader amongst his peers who shows up early to work and ensures everyone works safely. Frank has a thirst for knowledge and commitment to achievement, and he has earned multiple certifications placing him in an elite status.

2023 Finalist Ean Bevins began his apprenticeship in March of 2019 and is expected to complete in March of 2024. He is respected by his peers as a leader who will take time to help them with skills they are struggling with. He is passionate about his craft and hopes to be a high rolling journeyman pipefitter traveling the country applying his skills.

2023 Finalist Seth Coburn began his apprenticeship in August of 2019, completed in September of 2023 and is now a Journeyman Millwright. He is known as a "Key Millwright" who exhibits professionalism and takes great pride in his craft. Seth is incredibly reliable and leads his peers by example. He is not dissuaded by travel or difficult work assignments.

The selection panel included James Ebli, Gundlach Champion, Inc. retired; Don Maki, Commissioner, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; Mike Fornetti, Mead/WE Energies retired; Pam Versailles of Billerud; and Mike Andary, Assistant Professor, TAS, Construction Management Northern Michigan University. Assisting the judges was Liza LaJoice of Prime Specialty Contracting.

Sponsors of the event include: 44 North, AGC of Michigan, B & B Electrical Contractors, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Callie Barr for Congress, Circle Power, Closner Construction Co., Community Foundation of the UP , CR Meyer, Eagle Mine, Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Representative 7th District, Enbridge, Gundlach Champion, IBEW Local 906 JATC, IBEW Local 906, Ironworkers Local 8, JP Electric, Laborers Local 1329, Lakehead Construction, Inc, M.J. Electric, MI Building & Construction Trades Council , MI Chapter SMACNA, MI Regional Council of Carpenters & Millwrights Local 1510, MI AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute, Miron Construction Company, Operating Engineers 324 LMEC, Operating Engineers Local 324, IUPAT District Council 7, IUPAT Local 1011, Payne & Dolan, a Walbec Company, Prime Specialty Contracting, Sheet Metal Workers Local 7, Songer Services, UA Joint Training Committee, UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 111, UP Mechanical Contractors Association, UP Plumbers & Pipefitters Joint Mech Fund, and the Upper Peninsula Health Plan.