TOPS IN ARIZONA -- The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Arizona Chapter (SMACNA Arizona) recently honored five skilled craftsmen with its Third Annual Apprenticeship Award.

Apprentices were selected by the Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) from nearly 150 current students, based on the input of instructors and evaluations submitted by the worksite foreman. The apprentices were recognized for their leadership, willingness to help others, ability to work through problems and other practical skills.

Pictured are (l-r): Nick Ganem of Metro Mechanical and a member of the SMACNA Arizona board of trustees; Ricardo Rimirez of Preferred Mechanical, first-year apprentice; Gerald Webb of Bel-Aire Mechanical, second-year apprentice; Michael Chee of Kinetics, third-year apprentice; Tom Dryden of Kinetics, fourth-year apprentice; Brandon Massey of Thomas Heating and Air, fifth-year apprentice; Carlos Ramirez of Ramirez Mechanical and president of SMACNA Arizona; and Darrell Fox of Dynamic Systems and a member of the SMACNA Arizona marketing committee.