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UPCC honors “Apprentice of the Year” nominees and finalists

By R. R. Branstrom 5 min read

HARRIS - The Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) held its annual Apprentice of the Year banquet at the Island Resort and Casino on Saturday to recognize outstanding apprentices in the construction industry.

The UPCC is a private nonprofit corporation comprised of "signatory contractors and building trades professionals working together to advance (the) industry by supplying the safest, highest quality and most cost-effective construction services at the best possible value," according to their mission statement. They take an active role in recruiting local highschool trades students into apprenticeships positions that can develop into careers and enable them to make their livings right in the U.P.

At Saturday's event, Brandon Waldrop of Gladstone, who works with UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111, was named Apprentice of the Year from a field of 21 apprentices nominated for the title. Jersie Skrzyniarz of Escanaba and Dan Cass of Gladstone, both of IBEW Local 906, were named finalists. As winner, Waldrop receives a $1,000 cash prize, and the two finalists receive $500.

"The Apprentice of the Year banquet celebrates the next generation of skilled trades professionals who are building the future of our industry," said UPCC Executive Director Mike Smith. "Each year, we see incredible dedication from apprentices across the U.P. who are learning their craft, supporting their fellow workers, and preparing to lead the next generation of the trades. Congratulations to Brandon Waldrop, our 2025 Apprentice of the Year, and to finalists Jersie Skrzyniarz and Dan Cass, and all the nominees who represent the very best of the trades."

About 250 people attended the event, where Joe Kiedinger, founder and CEO of Dignify, served as the guest speaker. With more than two decades of experience, Kiedinger is a nationally recognized leadership expert who helps organizations build cultures where people feel valued, heard, and understood.

Waldrop, the Apprentice of the Year, began his apprenticeship with UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111 in March of 2024 and is projected to complete in May of 2026. He leads by example and is respected by his peers as a leader who will take time to help them with skills they are struggling with, the UPCC reported.

"Brandon has a thirst for knowledge and commitment to achievement, (and) he has learned much during his apprenticeship," the UPCC praised the young man in a press release.

"His layout and workmanship as a pipefitter is among the best that I have seen,” said John Antoncew, UA 111 apprenticeship coordinator. “He strives to be a highly skilled employee and will represent Local 111 as a pipefitter at the 2026 Michigan Pipe Trades apprentice contest in April."

Skrzyniarz, one of two runners-up for the Apprentice of the Year title, began her apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 906 in August of 2021 and is expected to complete in 2026. She is respected by her peers and superiors as a leader who strives for achievement, understanding and skill. Skrzyniarz was selected to address the 400 delegates from five states at this year's IBEW Conference hosted by IBEW Local 906.

“She knocked it out of the park," said Kurtis Monroe, business manager for IBEW Local 906. Skrzyniarz is reportedly passionate about her craft and hopes to one day achieve a leadership position in her union.

Cass, another finalist, stepped into an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 906 in August of 2021 and is expected to complete in 2026. He is said to be passionate about his craft and a leader amongst his peers and superiors. Cass is currently the vice president of IBEW 906 Renew Committee and "one day hopes to foster a sense of unity and purpose amongst the next generation, ensuring the community remains strong, vibrant, and prepared for future challenges," shared the UPCC. Loran Lamberg, project manager at B&B Electric, referred to Cass as the “go-to-guy” and said he is “100 percent confident in his abilities to become an outstanding journeyman electrician, foreman, general foreman, and project manager.”

Other nominees for Apprentice of the Year were Colton Lindemann, John O'Connor and Patrick Minarik from Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2; Cameron Yazell and Tula Porterfield from Carpenters Local 1510; IBEW Local 906's Sam Peterson; Jared Leckson, Brendan Lovins and Logan Nadeau of Ironworkers Local 8; Lucas Luedtke, Jacob Maki and Brian Waters, Jr. from IUPAT Local 1011; Millwrights Local 1510's Jacob Erickson; Ryan VanEffen from Operating Engineers Local 324; Joseph Pine with UA Plumbers, Pipefitters, & HVAC/R Local 11; and Brayden Sullivan, Jacob Kugler and Joshua Sgrecci from Sheet Metal Workers Local 7.

Serving on the selection committee were Don Maki, FMCS, Retired; Mike Andary, Northern Michigan University; Michael Fornetti, Mead/WE Energies, Retired; Stan Kaczmarek, Gundlach Champion Inc; Ryan Stern, Michigan Building Trades Council; and Nate Anderson, Billerud Escanaba.

Sponsors of the event included Bay College, Billerud, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Closner Construction Company, Gundlach Champion Inc, Payne + Dolan Inc, B&B Electrical Contractors, CR Meyer, SMART Local 7 Zone 5, Operating Engineers Local 324, WDI, Ironworkers Local 8, Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Local 1510, Eagle Mine, Enbridge, IUPAT Local 1011, Michigan Building Trades Council, UP Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111, and IBEW Local 906.

In another endeavor to engage with youth, the UPCC also coordinates a program called Construction Connect UP along with Michigan Works! and intermediate school districts. Students who will be high school seniors in the 2026 to 2027 school year and enrolled in a CTE program may apply now through March 31.

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