Like Father, Like Son: Two Generations Celebrate SkillComp

By Laura Kocum, ABC of Wisconsin

When Wyat Bredeson first heard about ABC of Wisconsin’s SkillComp, he knew he had to compete.

“My dad did this years ago. I wanted to give it a try, too. I told my boss I was interested and he said, ‘’Sure! Sign up!’”

Wyat is training as an apprentice in ABC of Wisconsin’s plumbing apprenticeship program. His father, Scott Bredeson, trained in the same program more than two decades ago, and competed in the 2004 SkillComp.

“It was a great experience,” Scott said. “I’m encouraging (Wyat) to be thorough, read the instructions carefully, and do his best.”

Wyat has good reason to take his dad’s advice. Scott didn’t just compete in ABC’s SkillComp. He won first place. Then he went on to compete in the National Craft Championship in Hawaii. There, he took 3rd place. Scott knows how to succeed at SkillComp, and Wyat intends to learn from him.

“I’ll take all the advice he wants to give,” he shared. I’m also spending time looking closely at the photos of last year’s event and trying to learn from the projects I see.”

Wyat will compete against 14 other plumbers from around the state in this year’s SkillComp. The competitors spend four hours on a hands-on project. Then, they take a two-hour written exam. At the end of the day, judges share their scores, and the top three winners will receive prizes. The first-place winner will go to the National Craft Championships, held by ABC National, and hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada in February.

“It would be awesome!” Wyat exclaimed, when asked what he thinks about his potential to win.

The Bredesons are both plumbers, and both work for Swinehart Plumbing. Swinehart is sending Wyat to compete and has also signed on to sponsor the full competition.

“ABC has been a great partner in providing training along with our experienced journeymen. The Swinehart team takes pride on not just completing a job but their attention to details,” said Charity Swinehart, owner of Swinehart Plumbing. “This ABC competition is a great place for Wyat and other apprentices to show these skills.”

Wyat says he’s thoroughly enjoying his work with Swinehart Plumbing and is grateful to have their support to compete.  He’s also grateful to work alongside his father, both at Swinehart Plumbing and in his dad’s side business, Bredy’s Plumbing.

“Scott has not only been an asset for Swinehart Plumbing but he has been a great role model for his son, along with our other journeyman plumbers,” Swinehart said.

Wyat agrees.

He started helping his dad with projects through their family business when he was just 10 years old. He grew up watching his dad work, learning the business, and eventually decided plumbing would be a good fit for him, too.

“I don’t like to sit still, study, and read. I want to work with my hands and be active,” Wyat explained.

“I think things have changed, for this generation,” Scott said. “The word is out now that the trades provide good careers.” He believes SkillComp is a great opportunity to both expose students to the trades, and to give apprentices a chance to be celebrated.

“There’s a lot you can learn from the experience,” he explained.

Wyat intends to learn all he can, and hopes to emulate his father’s success, and win on December 10.

For more information about ABC of Wisconsin’s SkillComp, visit https://www.abcwi.org/apprenticeship-skill-competition/.