UPCC Names 2025 Apprentice of the Year
(HARRIS, Mich.) – The Upper Peninsula Construction Council held its annual Apprentice of the Year banquet at the Island Resort and Casino on Saturday to recognize outstanding apprentices in the construction industry.
Brandon Waldrop of UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111 was named Apprentice of the Year from a field of 21 apprentices nominated for the title. Jersie Skrzyniarz and Dan Cass, both of IBEW Local 906, were named finalists. The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize, and finalists receive $500.
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.
“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.”
The winners are:
2025 Apprentice of the Year – Brandon Waldrop – UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111Brandon began his apprenticeship 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. Brandon has a thirst for knowledge and commitment to achievement, he has learned much during his apprenticeship. “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.”
2025 Finalist – Jersie Skrzyniarz – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 906Jersie began her apprenticeship in August of 2021 and is expected to complete in 2026. She is respected by her peers and superiors as a leader who has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and achievement. Jersie was selected to address the 400 delegates from five states at this year’s IBEW Conference hosted by IBEW Local 906. Kurtis Monroe, business manager for IBEW Local 906, said, "She knocked it out of the park and could not be prouder." Jersie is passionate about her craft and hopes to one day achieve a leadership position in her union.
2025 Finalist – Dan Cass – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 906Dan began his apprenticeship in August of 2021 and is expected to complete in 2026. He is passionate about his craft and is known as a leader amongst his peers and superiors. Dan 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. Loran Lamberg, project manager at B&B Electric, referred to Dan 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."
The selection committee comprised 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.
