Indianapolis – Aaron Benedict, a Lapel resident and a third-year Apprentice at Fredericks, Inc. Contractors, of Pendleton, IN won the Electrical Division first place award at the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana Craft Olympics Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana. As first place winner, Aaron received an ABC Jacket, a $100 gift certificate from Sears, and a trophy. Aaron will also receive an all-expense paid trip to San Diego, California in February where he will represent Indiana at the Associated Builders and Contractors National Craft Championships.

To become eligible to compete in ABC’s state competition, Aaron scored in the top of his class on a written test. At the state level, Aaron’s written score was combined with his score on a practical exam which was held in Indianapolis, Indiana at the State Headquarters on November 20, 2009. Each competitor’s score from the written and practical test were combined, with the practical counting for 75% of the total score. The practical projects were evaluated on safety, accuracy, neatness, building code compliance and overall craftsmanship.

ABC holds classes for construction trade apprentices at the Muncie Training Facility as well as 7 other sites across the state where, in addition to becoming proficient in their trade, ABC apprentices may earn an Associate of Science degree through Vincennes University.

Aaron is a student in ABC’s Muncie training program, which sponsors apprenticeship training for Electrical, Pipefitting, & Plumbing craftspeople.

Third and fourth-year Apprentices from Indiana, competed for the title, “Best of the Best” and the opportunity to compete at the National level in San Diego, California this February. The competition includes a comprehensive written exam as well as a hands-on project which is completed and judged on site.

Associated Builders and Contractors is a nonprofit, national trade association of general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and associates who believe in the merit shop form of construction.

Congratulations to our local competitors!

Contact: Angela Wilson
Mid-Central Council Manager
Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana
765.288.0970 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it