Celebrating Skills, Knowledge, and Drive: Registered Apprenticeship Shines at 2026 N.C. State Fair

RALEIGH, N.C.—More than 100 competitors representing 33 employers, six community colleges, and eight high schools demonstrated their expertise in masonry, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and HVAC/R contests at the N.C. State Fair October 19-23, 2026.

Hosted annually by ApprenticeshipNC and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the contests highlight the talent, dedication and hands-on expertise of North Carolina’s future and current skilled workforce. The events also demonstrate the important role Registered Apprenticeship plays in developing talent and strengthening the state’s workforce pipeline.

Thanks to the generous support of industry sponsors, every participant received tools and other prizes in recognition of their participation. In addition, the top 10 finalists in each contest will receive monetary awards ranging from $75 to $325 from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, based on their placements.

First Place Winners:

• 72^nd Annual Masonry Apprentice Contest: Nicholas Sloop, McGee Brothers Company, Inc.
• 41^st Annual Electrical Apprentice Contest: Tyler Hendrix, Watson Electrical Construction Co., LLC
• 40^th Annual Carpentry Pre-Apprentice Contest: Charles Nelson & Ross Rouleau, Southeast Area Technical High School Tech & Cape Fear Community College
• 38^th Annual Plumber Apprentice Contest: J’Lexus Brooks Carter, Precision Plumbing Inc.
• 22^nd Annual HVAC/R Apprentice Contest: Genaro Soto-Diaz, Mechanical Trades Carolina (LU421)

Registered Apprenticeship Expo Spotlights Career Opportunities

ApprenticeshipNC also hosted its second annual Registered Apprenticeship Expo on Friday, October 23. The Expo connected career seekers, parents, and fairgoers with employers to explore the wide range of careers available through Registered Apprenticeship.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about apprenticeable occupations and career pathways in industries including construction, advanced manufacturing, information technology, hospitality and education. The Expo highlighted how Registered Apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction to help individuals develop in-demand skills while building rewarding careers.

View photos from ApprenticeshipNC’s week at the N.C. State Fair: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjDanUw

View the week’s program which includes all Registered Apprenticeship Employers and Contest Sponsors: 2026 N.C. State Fair Apprentice Contests Digital Booklet

---

About ApprenticeshipNC: Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, ApprenticeshipNC, a part of the North Carolina Community College System, is the only approved registration and compliance body for Registered Apprenticeship in North Carolina. The ApprenticeshipNC team works directly with employers, educational institutions, and community partners in all 100 North Carolina counties to design, launch, and expand Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. ANC also acts as an information source for individuals interested in pursuing career opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship.