Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt Honors 2025 N.C. State Fair Apprentice Contests Winners

Published: December 18, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina—Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt hosted a reception on December 15, 2025, honoring the winners and runners-up of the 2025 N.C. State Fair Apprentice Contests. The event, held in partnership with ApprenticeshipNC—the State Apprenticeship Agency housed within the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)—celebrated the craftsmanship and technical proficiency demonstrated by the apprentices and pre-apprentices during the annual masonry, electrical, HVAC/R, and carpentry contests.

State and Workforce Leaders Recognize Apprentice Excellence

The reception opened with remarks from Dale Yarborough, deputy director of ApprenticeshipNC; Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the NCCCS; and Lieutenant Governor Hunt, who praised the apprentices’ achievements, saying, “Our apprentices showcase the skill and dedication that power North Carolina’s workforce. Their success proves that investing in hands-on training builds opportunity and strengthens our state.”

Following the remarks, ApprenticeshipNC presented awards to the first-, second-, and third-place winners in each contest in recognition of their skills and accomplishments.

Nearly 70 employers, apprentices, and Registered Apprenticeship partners attended the reception, along with state and workforce leaders. Among them were Commissioner Luke Farley of the N.C. Department of Labor, Mr. Tom Looney, chairman of the State Board of Community Colleges, and representatives from industry partners such as the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Their presence underscored strong statewide support for North Carolina’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

N.C. State Fair Apprentice Contests Showcase Skilled Trades Talent

The N.C. State Fair Apprentice Contests provide a unique platform to showcase individuals enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship Programs across North Carolina. This year, more than 120 contestants representing 26 employers, two N.C. community colleges, and nine high schools competed. Thanks to generous industry sponsors, every competitor received tools and other prizes for their participation.

2025 First-Place Winners

David Hernandez-Herrera, Whitman Masonry (71^st Annual Masonry Apprentice Contest)
Guy Kemp, Starr Electric Company (40^th Annual Electrical Apprentice Contest)
Campbell Quinn and Lukas Nelson, Bunn High School (39^th Annual Carpentry Pre-Apprentice Contest)
Camden Leonard, Brady Services and Guilford Technical Community College (21^st Annual HVAC/R Apprentice Contest)

Building North Carolina’s Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeship

Events like the N.C. State Fair Apprentice Contests and the State Fair Winners’ Reception spotlight the vital role Registered Apprenticeship plays in building a strong, adaptable workforce. Through a combination of on-the-job learning and related instruction, these programs support the state’s economic growth while preparing the next generation of workers for long-term success.