Illinois District Council Apprentice Contest Brings Out the Best

Third-year first place winner Andy Gregorczyk of Local 21 IL couldn’t be more “on the level.”

From left, IL DC Instructor Don Walker, first-year winner Daniel Sikorski of Local 21 IL, and Director/Administrator Bob Arnold.

Local 27 IL apprentice Shaun Maconaghy is all smiles after taking top honors among the second-year contestants.

Twenty-two apprentices representing five Illinois Locals put their bricklaying skills to the test at the Illinois District Council Apprentice Contest on February 4, 2006. The Contest took place at the District Council Training Center in Addison.

The first place winners for each year level are Daniel Sikorski of Local 21 IL – first year; Shaun Maconaghy of Local 27 IL – second year; and Andy Gregorczyk of Local 21 IL – third year.

The day began with a brief summary of the project given by District Council Director/Administrator Bob Arnold, and the contest lasted roughly three hours. Each winner received award plaques, smith levels, and cash prizes.

“All three of the contest winners attended IMI’s 12-week pre-apprenticeship program – a true testament to the quality training they received during the course,” said Arnold. “The District Council Training Center and Local 21 Apprenticeship and Training Instructors helped out in preparing for the 8-hour day.”

The Contest judges were Local 21 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Lowery, Local 56 Business Agent Bill Kennedy, Local 74 Business Agent Dave Naprstek, Local 27 Business Agent Pete Culver, Local 20 Business Agent Joe Gagliardo, and Local 56 member Rich Rasmassin.