There are still a few opportunities remaining for contestant and sponsor participation at the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association Educational Foundation's National Plumbing and HVAC Apprentice Contests held during CONNECT. Sept. 30-Oct. 1, in Hollywood, Fla.

The plumbing contest features 20 elite apprentices who will rough-in a complete bathroom including cast iron and PVC DWV, copper water supply, and installation of a shower valve, water closet and lavatory with faucet.

The HVAC contest features the nation's top 15 HVAC apprentices in a six-event competition that includes brazing, refrigerant recovery and identification, taking readings on a working package unit, electrical troubleshooting and repair, basic electrical skills and wiring, and a written knowledge test.

In addition to the competition, all contestants have the opportunity to attend special educational seminars at CONNECT, complete with peer-to-peer networking and exposure to the latest technologies and products available.

• Do you consider one of your HVAC apprentices among the nation's best?

Give them an opportunity to take home top honors, plus valuable tools and prizes, at this year's HVAC Apprentice Contest.

• Sponsors are still needed to help the HVAC apprentices participate in the contest.

Contestant sponsors' contributions are passed on to offset the expenses the competitors incur to travel to the contest. Competitors wear their sponsor's logoed shirt at the contest, and sponsors receive recognition on-site, in event communications, and in post-contest communications. Prize sponsors are also welcome for both the plumbing and HVAC contests.

Sponsorship information and contestant applications are available here.

2015 event sponsors include:

Headline Sponsors: AHRI; A. O. Smith Water Products Co.; Channellock; Coburn Supply Co.; Copper Development Association, Inc.; Delta Faucet Company; IPS Corporation; Uponor; Viega, LLC; and Zoeller Pump Company.

Contestant Sponsors: AB&I Foundry; AC Pro; BrassCraft Manufacturing Co.; Cengage Learning; KOHLER Company; Legend Valve; MILWAUKEE TOOL; NATE; NIBCO, Inc.; Reed Manufacturing Co.; RIDGID; SharkBite/Cash Acme, Reliance Worldwide Corporation; State Water Heaters; and Tyler Pipe & Coupling.

For more information, contact Merry Beth Hall at hall@naphcc.org or 800-533-7694.