(LEESBURG, VIRGINA) - SkillsUSA has selected Charles Goede of Waterford, Connecticut as the official U.S. competitor for Plumbing and Heating for the 2026 WorldSkills Competition.

This prestigious international skills competition, often referred to as the Olympics of Skilled Trades, will be held September 22nd through September 27th, 2026 in Shanghai, China.

WorldSkills brings together young people, industry, education, and government leaders from around the world to advance career and technical education and training.

Competitors vie for international honors in skill competitions, showcasing dozens of Trade skills.

Goede, the first competitor to be named to the WorldSkills USA delegation, is a Plumbing Apprentice and graduate from Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton, Connecticut.

As the SkillsUSA Connecticut High School State Champion in 2024, he went on to place second in the Nation in the plumbing competition at that year’s SkillsUSA Championships during the National Leadership & Skills Conference held annually in Atlanta.

“I am honored to be representing the United States for plumbing and heating,” Goede said of the opportunity to compete internationally. “I will be able to show not only the dedication I have for my career, but the pride I have in my craftsmanship of the trade.”

To prepare him for WorldSkills, Goede will receive comprehensive support and training from a coalition of industry leaders, including the United Association (UA) Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). 

“My experience being a Plumber so far is amazing,” Goede said. “Every day you learn something new. I chose this career because I like working with my hands, job security and being able to see all these different projects come together flawlessly.”

United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters General President Mark McManus said: “At the United Association, our gold-standard Registered Apprenticeship Program means our Members are the best trained and most highly-skilled Craftspeople in the industry. Charles represents the very best of the UA and we could not be prouder to support him as he represents the United States at WorldSkills in Shanghai next Fall. His dedication, hard work and commitment to his craft will be on full display, showcasing more than (135) years of UA training and education.”

“We are incredibly proud to support Charles as he represents the U.S. at WorldSkills,” added Dan Quinonez, Executive Director of the PHCC Educational Foundation and Chief Operating Officer of the National Association. “His exceptional skill, hard work and dedication are a testament to the future of the Plumbing Trade. Investing in talented young professionals like Charles is not just a point of pride for us, it’s a crucial commitment to ensuring our industry’s continued growth and success.”

To Read This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Report In Its Entirety, Go To: SkillsUSA Selects Connecticut Plumbing Apprentice for 2026 WorldSkills Competition, Backed by Industry-Wide Support | SkillsUSA