Alvaro Torres won the gold medal in the structural welding at Associated Builders and Contractors’ 32nd annual National Craft Championships.

The NCC featured 168 craft professionals competing for top honors in 14 competitions representing 12 crafts, from electrical and plumbing to carpentry and welding, as well as a team competition with journey-level competitors from four different crafts working to complete a joint project. The competition includes a two-hour written exam and a day-long, hands-on practical performance test.

Torres was awarded at ABC’s Careers in Construction Awards ceremony on March 28th at the conclusion of ABC Convention 2019 in Long Beach, California.

Ryan Beaver, a former Destrehan High School student and current Monsanto employee, placed second in pipe welding.

Dr. Kirk Lewis High School, in partnership with Performance Contractors, has achieved gold medal three of the last four years. We are proud to continue sponsoring this nationally-recognized organization for its excellence. As Chad E. Whetro, training coordinator for Performance Contractors, commented, "The greatest thing our company builds is people."


“The annual National Craft Championships honors the best the merit shop construction industry has to offer,” said 2019 ABC National Chair Tony Rader, telecom Vice President of National Roofing Partners, Coppell, Texas. “I am always amazed by the level of dedication NCC competitors show to their craft, safety, and professional development. This talented group of craft professionals are leaders in our workforce and I look forward to their continued contributions to the construction industry.”

Started in 1987, NCC is a part of ABC’s effort to raise the profile of careers in construction and highlight the $1.1 billion that ABC member companies spend annually on workforce development. Each year the competition draws some of the nation’s most talented craft professionals and highlights the important role that craft skills education plays in the construction industry.