Two ABC HOA Apprentices Win National Craft Championships Awards
Salt Lake City, March 19th- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Heart of America announces that two Kansas City-area apprentices have been recognized as national champions at the 2026 National Craft Championships (NCC), held during ABC Convention 2025 in Salt Lake City.
Sam Aufmuth, an apprentice with American Boiler & Mechanical, earned the gold in Pipefitting.
Riley Wall, an apprentice with Temp-Con LLC, won the Gold Award in the sheet metal category. The second Temp-Con Apprentice to win that category in as many years. 
Hosted by ABC National, the NCC is one of the construction industry’s premier competitions, showcasing the nation’s top craft professionals. Nearly 200 skilled apprentices and trainees from across the country competed in 15 categories, demonstrating their technical expertise, precision and commitment to safety. Participants underwent a rigorous evaluation process, including a written exam and a hands-on performance test.
“Winning these awards speaks to the remarkable talent and commitment our apprentices bring to the trade every day,” said Michele Roberts-Bauer, president of ABC Heart of America. “Sam and Riley didn’t get here by accident, their success is the result of genuine dedication, outstanding employer support, and the strength of merit shop training. Representing Kansas City and ABC Heart of America at the national level is an honor they’ve truly earned.”
ABC is dedicated to developing the safest and most skilled workforce in the construction industry. Through its comprehensive workforce development strategy, ABC and its affiliates nationwide offer more than 800 apprenticeship, craft, safety and management education programs, including over 450 government-registered apprenticeship programs across 20 occupations. Locally, ABC Heart of America trains nearly 400 apprentices across nine trades. These programs equip the next generation of craft professionals with the training, hands-on experience and safety knowledge necessary to succeed.
Since its inception in 1987, the NCC has celebrated the future of the construction industry by highlighting top talent and promoting workforce development. ABC’s commitment to training ensures a strong and skilled workforce for the future.
For more information about the National Craft Championships and a full list of 2025 winners, visit abc.org/ncc.
About ABC Heart of America
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association founded in 1950, representing more than 23,000 members. The ABC Heart of America chapter has served contractors and the construction industry across Missouri and Kansas since 1975. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work, and deliver projects safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of their communities. Visit us at abcksmo.org.