From Small Town to National Competition: Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice Steps Out of His Comfort Zone and Finds a Career with Purpose

For 22-year-old Andrew Bartel, a sprinkler fitting apprentice from a tiny town of Tyndall, Manitoba, (population just over 1,000) life used to be quiet, predictable, and comfortably familiar. But stepping into the world of sprinkler fitting, and eventually onto the national stage at the UA Canada National Apprentice Competition, has taken Andrew far beyond the limits of his hometown – and even further than he ever thought possible.

The UA Canada National Apprentice Competition is considered one of the top showcases of emerging skilled trade talent in the country. Organized by UA Canada, the Canadian arm of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry, it represents thousands of skilled tradespeople in plumbing, pipefitting, welding, sprinkler fitting, and HVAC sectors across Canada. Each year, the top apprentices compete in their respective trades, having qualified through a series of regional and provincial events. The competition is more than a test of technical ability. For many, it’s a career milestone that offers national recognition, industry connections, and the chance to demonstrate the essential role skilled trades play in building and protecting Canada’s infrastructure.

Coming out of high school, Andrew didn’t envision himself in fire protection. “I was planning on being a mechanic,” he recalls. “I worked in a local shop for a couple of years.”

That all changed when a friend introduced him to the team at Classic Fire + Life Safety’s Winnipeg branch. He says, “They asked if I’d be interested in trying out sprinkler fitting. I figured, why not, I’d give it a shot.”

That simple decision turned out to be life changing.

A new path forward

Reserved by nature, Andrew wasn’t the type to seek the spotlight. But under the encouragement of his instructor, he entered his first competition, the UA Western Regional.

“My instructor likes to push us to test ourselves,” he says.

Andrew won at regionals. Then came the Skills Manitoba competition, another win. At the Skills Canada event, he placed third, proving to himself and others that he has what it takes.

Still, the road has not been easy. He says, “I get really nervous at competitions. The first time I competed; I was thrown for a loop. I didn’t feel ready.”

But something shifted in him after each event. “I learned to slow down, focus, and trust what I know. I still doubt myself sometimes, but I’ve realized I can handle more than I thought.”

Now in Kingston, Ontario, Andrew is competing among the best apprentices from across the country. He finds it intimidating, as well as energizing.

“It’s been great to meet people from other provinces and hear their stories,” he says. “We’ve all taken different paths to get here.”

Judged on everything from tool management and efficiency to speed and accuracy, Andrew says he leans on consistency. “I try to keep a steady pace and not rush. I feel good about my efficiency, but I feel like I could’ve done better by focusing more on my accuracy and being less concerned about how quickly I was working.”

A positive experience

While Andrew didn’t come out on top at the national level, the experience has left a lasting impact. “I’m proud I made it this far,” he says. “Just being here, competing with the best in the country, has been huge for me.”

One of the most uplifting parts of the experience? The support. “The local union reps have treated me really well,” he says. “You can tell they care. They put a lot into organizing this event and making sure we feel valued.”

For Andrew, this journey has been about more than learning the trade. It’s been about personal growth. “Coming from a small town, you don’t always think you’ll end up doing things like this,” he reflects. “But this trade has given me a direction and a community. It’s a secure career, the people are great, and there’s real pride in what we do.”

To anyone considering a future in the skilled trades, Andrew offers sincere, steady encouragement: “It’s a unique opportunity with lots of benefits. You just have to give it a chance.”

And if Andrew Bartel’s story is any indication, sometimes giving something a chance is all it takes to discover just how far you can go.