ETASV Apprentice Tournament: Winners
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 27
ETASV Holds Annual Skills Competition
Jason Vasquez Wins First Place
The ETASV held its annual apprentice tournament in April under rainy conditions. Twenty apprentices trained for weeks for the seven-event competition. Dozens of member volunteers, instructors, and ETASV staff helped to make the day a big success. Jason Vasquez, Mario Cerventes, and Tyler Biersdorff placed first, second, and third in the overall competition. None of the three winners won any individual event, so they were all pretty surprised when they heard their names called to stand on the podium!
“The Apprenticeship Is a Golden Ticket—Don’t Take It for Granted.” – Winner Jason Vasquez
“To train, I spent about a month preparing and took every opportunity I could. I came in on my days off, took extra code tests, and trained with the instructors. I thought motor controls was my strongest event, but when I didn’t win that, I thought maybe I’d come in second or third. But those came and went, so I figured I didn’t win anything. But then they called my name. I was in total shock, but a good shock.
“I have so many people who helped me. My wife was the biggest help, holding everything down with the kids during my long days of work and night school. Every single journeyman has helped me to get to where I’ve been, developing me, and giving me tips and tricks. Finally, the teachers have been so encouraging and have pushed me to do better. They taught me to take every opportunity that’s offered and keep an open mind. You can learn from anyone. This apprenticeship is a golden ticket—don’t take it for granted.”
Mario Cerventes & Tyler Biersdorff Place 2nd & 3rd
“You Never Know What You Are Capable of Until You Do It.” – Mario Cerventes, 2nd Place
“I usually don’t do this kind of thing, but I stuck my neck out. To prepare, I showed up for all the extra classes on both class days and off days. Whatever I do at work is training as well. I really wanted to win both motor challenges, but when I didn’t, I was like, ‘That’s fine,’ and just cheered my brothers. I had no clue that I placed overall, and I was in shock hearing my name, especially because I didn’t win a challenge. It was a great feeling.
“My family has always been in full support of me through ups and down. A lot of people have been there for me: my classmates and coworkers, from my first journeyman to the last. It was great that the people who taught me so much were proud of me. I always try and am willing to learn and ask a millions questions. Even if you are not the best, you never know what you are capable of until you do it.”
“Be Present—You Never Know Who Is Going to Blow Your Mind!” – Tyler Biersdorff, 3rd Place
“To prepare, I put in extra time and picked the teachers’ brains on tips and tricks. My parents were there for the whole competition, but I told them to go home because I didn’t think I won anything. When they called my name, my wife yelled at me, ‘I told you so.’ I thought, ‘Wow I actually did it!’ And I called my parents.
“I’ve worked with great journeymen who have taken me under their wing and taught me that detail matters, not just speed. But my wife has been my biggest support. I’ve been at school at night and away for the extra days for the competition. Having her support has been amazing, especially with the baby.
“Don’t take our schooling for granted. If you set your mind to it, it’s a career, not just a job. Show up, be present, and absorb what the teachers and other journeymen share. You never know who is going to blow your mind.”
Event Winners
Dom Greco: Triple Winner for Residential Wiring, 1/2” & 3/4” Conduit Bending
Samuel Vasquez: Written Exam
Jonathan Juarez: Motor Controls Written
Anthony Devencenzi: Materials ID
Luis Sanchez: Motor Controls Hands-On
Other Competitors
Andrew Fracek Jr., Austin Pina, Dennis Kay, Dillon Borrego, Jose Medina, Jacob Treat, James Gonzalez, Jose Ramirez, Martin Perez, Ramon Lupian, Rodrigo Amezcua Paez, and Jesse Troutman.
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ETASV Apprentice Tournament: Winners