by Patrick Edmonds
This year, the Mid-Atlantic Apprentice Competition was hosted by Local 19 Philadelphia, and Local 19 did not disappoint. The contest took place from June 2 to June 4, 2022 and included nine different locals from the region, including Local 12 Pittsburgh, Local 19 Central PA, Local 19 Philadelphia, Local 22 Central NJ, Local 25 North NJ, Local 27 South NJ, Local 44 Wilkes Barre, Local 100 Washington, D.C., and Local 112 Elmira NY.
“It was a pleasure to host such a great group of apprentices from our region,” said Joe Frick, Philadelphia Training Coordinator. “The dedication to the trade is remarkable, and the comradery among the apprentices and everyone involved is amazing.”
Fourth Year Apprentice John Lawrysh III took first place in the fourth year apprentice category, showing off superior welding skills.
Third Year Apprentice James Primodie took first place for the second year in a row.
Local 19 Central PA, for the 4th year in a row, brought home the group contest trophy. The group contest is about teamwork, and the team of Georg Hoefer, Austin Daniels, and Braxton Koppenheffer did an outstanding job.
2nd Year
Georg Hoefer – 2nd place, Local 19 Central PA
Bradley Coe – 4th place, Local 19 Philadelphia
3rd Year
James Primodie – 1st place Local 19 Philadelphia
Austin Daniels – 2nd place, Local 19 Central PA
4th Year
John Lawrysh III – 1st place, Local 19 Philadelphia
Braxton Koppenheffer – 2nd place, Local 19 Central PA
Group Competition
Local 19 Central PA – 1st place
Local 19 Philadelphia – 2nd place
Local 19’s apprentices showed their hard work and dedication with their performance this year. Each and every one spent hours preparing and studying for the contest. The apprentices of Local 19 look forward to continuing their winning ways in 2023. Next year’s contest is being hosted by Local 12 in Pittsburgh.
All photography by Local 19 member Jacob DiPietro.