GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — Eric Fradette, a Hurst Mechanical service technician and United Association of Plumbers, Fitters and Services Trades Local 174 apprentice was awarded First Place in the annual Michigan Pipe Trades Apprentice Competition May 8, at UA190’s Ann Arbor, Mich., training center.

The two day competition consisted of written and practical testing in the heating, ventilation, air condition and refrigeration service field. Fradette’s skills in service trouble shooting, blue print reading, rigging, material identification and more were evaluated in the state-wide competition.

Through joint cooperation, Fradette participated in UA174’s apprenticeship program while working at Hurst Mechanical. Hurst Mechanical, a local HVACR service company, is Fradette’s employer, providing on-the- job and specialized training to the company’s apprentices.

Scott Dixon, president of Hurst remarked, “We are very proud of Fradette’s achievement. He is one of the many highly skilled certified service technicians employed by our company. Hurst encourages STAR certification, CSD1 training, green awareness and other industry related certification for our workforce - Fradette has obtained all of this specialized training.”

Fradette also participated in the UA174’s apprenticeship program in Coopersville, Mich.

Fradette’s service instructor, Steve Wiley, commented, “The state competition was very close between all participants. Fradette is a great guy to be around and work with. He always pushes himself and his instructor to a higher level.”

Fradette is a 2006 graduate of Ferris State University’s HVACR Technology program.