A local plumber received international recognition, besting top plumbers in the world.

“You were here amongst the best, and you had to be your best if you had a chance to come out on top,” shared 40-year-old winner, Travis Sharp.

Sharp, a plumber at Area Mechanical Services in Rockford, competed in the United Association International Apprenticeship Competition, advancing locally and the state, the district, and internationally.

“There was four different written tests you had to do, there was multiple pipe projects that we had to do, and it was very intense. Very intense and it was very technical. You had to be right on,” explained Sharp.

Sharp said he is floored to have won first place.

“I could not believe that they read my name. I want to make sure that whoever hires me to do their

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