July 2018: When 393 members travel to Southern California for the Statewide UA Apprentice Contest, it has the buzz of the “Pipe Olympics.” For Nick Cruz, who won the HVAC/R competition in this year’s competition, it was like the multi-event decathlon.

“You get a little bit of everything,” said Nick. “You are a little nervous because you don’t know what you’re going to be doing. There’s so many fields you have to know so they can throw curveballs.”

The HVAC/R competitors – who all placed 1st in their local unions – completed seven events: chiller components, electrical troubleshooting, air and water readings, VFD troubleshooting, start test and balance exam, a written exam, and a piping project.

“It’s harder than a regular day’s work because the quality has to be top notch and fast,” said Nick. “You are putting your brain and body to work. It feels like the roughest sport out there, and you are pushed to the limit.”

Nick was born and raised in San Jose. Growing up, he thought he might be an electrician, and it got him looking into the trades. “With HVAC/R you do electrical, plumping, piping and are the jack of all trades,” said Nick. “When I found out that Local 393 was testing for apprentices, I thought I better come down.”

“Once I passed the test, I knew this was where I was going,” he said. “It’s turned out to be everything I hoped for and then more. And when I put my mind to something, I go all in. If you think you’re good, you better prove it.”

That’s why Nick pushed himself to compete, win and move on to regionals where he placed third. Coming home, he said he was happy to relax and get back to work.

“Fixing things is what I like to do, so I don’t mind going to work,” said Nick. “It’s like when I get up, I think about what am I going to do next. Every day I strive to learn something new and better than the day before.”

Congratulations to Nick and also to Chris Jones who placed 2nd in the plumbing competition!