Nashville, TN , August 11, 2025 – The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is proud to announce the largest Apprentice of the Year (AOY) competition in its history, with 30 top electrical apprentices from across the nation set to compete for the coveted title during SPARK: The Electrician’s Expo, September 26-28 in Phoenix, AZ.
The AOY competition is the ultimate showcase of skill, speed, and precision for the electrical industry’s rising stars. Each competitor is a recent graduate of an IEC apprenticeship program, representing local chapters from coast to coast. Over three days, they will face a series of rigorous, real-world challenges designed to test their expertise and highlight the future of the trade.
Held in the SPARK Expo Hall, the AOY competition gives event attendees a front-row seat to the action as apprentices demonstrate their skills under the watchful eyes of judges — experienced journeymen, contractors, inspectors, and other industry leaders. Competitors will be tested in:
- Written Exam: Knowledge of electrical theory, code, materials, and installation practices.
- Motor Logic Diagram: Creating a diagram from a written field application description.
- Conduit Bending: Precision bending of electrical metallic tubing.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnosing faults in common electrical equipment.
- Speed Exercise: Installing common electrical circuitry under time constraints.
- Installation Project: Installing electrical distribution and control circuitry from provided materials and diagrams.
- Safety Practices: Demonstrating adherence to jobsite safety standards.
Winners receive national recognition, cash prizes, professional-grade tools, and industry reference materials provided by sponsors — along with the honor of being named IEC National Apprentice of the Year.
2025 Apprentice of the Year (AOY) Competitors:
(Listed by Name, Company, and IEC Chapter)
- Arturo Ortega, Felix Construction Company, IEC of Arizona
- Miguel Angel Lara Mejia, Wiring Solutions, Inc., IEC Atlanta
- Quentin Barnes, Babcon, Inc., IEC of the Bluegrass
- Joey Terry, Electrical Service Professionals, IEC Central Ohio
- Brandon Stewart, A&G Electric, CenTex IEC
- Amanda Stancil, Helix Electric, IEC Chesapeake
- Garret Beauchamp, Eagle Electric of Grand Forks, Inc., IEC Dakotas
- Christopher Ramirez, Critical Electric Systems Group, LLC, IEC Dallas
- Mark Romero, Texas Electrical Contractors, IEC El Paso
- Jesse Passarella, APG Electric, Inc., IEC Florida West Coast
- Patten Kipp, AAA Electrical Service, IEC Fort Worth
- Logan Bluemel, Electrical Process Solutions, IEC of Greater Cincinnati
- Mathias Thorgesen, Pucek Electric, IEC Greater San Antonio
- Josh Beaven, Mid America Electric, IEC of Greater St. Louis
- Ian Welch, GEMCO Constructors LLC, IEC Indy
- Eli Eis, Young Electric, IEC Kansas
- Justin Johnson, Bill Mudd Electric, IEC Kentuckiana
- Jacob Meyer, TEAM Electrical Contracting, IEC Middle Tennessee
- Francis Horton, DJ’s Electric, Montana IEC
- Cristian Garcia, DKD Enterprises, LLC, Northern New Mexico IEC
- Jonas Rohr, Jason Spencer Electrical Service, LLC, IEC Northern Ohio
- Jeremy Clutter, Delta Electrical Contractors, Inc., IEC-OKC
- Bryce Walters, Norm’s Electric, IEC of Oregon
- Cody Robison, Gettle, Inc., IEC Pennsylvania
- Will Coggswell, Weifield Group Electrical Contracting, IEC Rocky Mountain
- Ethan Short, Palo Verde Electric, IEC of Southern Arizona
- Tavin Polly, Electric Service of Colorado, IEC Southern Colorado
- Tee Pickett, RCI Power & Lighting, Inc., IEC Southern New Mexico
- Matt Nyfeler, Lakey Electric Company, IEC Texas Gulf Coast
- Christopher (Christo) Greenland, Wilkinson Electric, IEC of Utah
Be there as 30 of the nation’s best electrical apprentices compete for the title of IEC National Apprentice of the Year. Purchase your pass and learn more about SPARK at iecspark.com.
For additional information, interviews, or press inquiries, contact: Mikayla Hrinowich, mhrinowich@ieci.org.
