December 13th, 2024
by Gary Gauthier

As 2024 comes to an end, the International Code Council’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Technical Resource Team takes great pride in reflecting on a year filled with milestones, meaningful connections and impactful contributions.

With a strong focus on empowering the next generation of skilled trade professionals, the team has embraced its role as a guiding force in fostering excellence within the PMG disciplines.

From local apprenticeships to nationally recognized competitions, the PMG Technical Resource Team has worked tirelessly to advocate for, mentor and celebrate aspiring tradespeople who are building the foundation for a brighter future in the built environment.

The Code Council’s PMG Technical Resource Team’s journey throughout 2024 has been a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship and advocacy. By investing in young professionals, they are not only supporting individual growth but also ensuring the strength and sustainability of the PMG industry as a whole.

Making a Difference, One Competition at a Time

In 2024, the PMG Technical Resource Team has been on the front lines of industry engagement, bringing their expertise and passion to a wide range of events designed to showcase and sharpen the skills of the next generation.

The team members have proudly served as judges, evaluators and mentors, offering their insights to ensure fair assessments and providing valuable feedback to competitors.

Their presence has been felt at every level of the industry:

  • Local Competitions: The PMG Technical Resource Team graded practical projects, ensuring participants received constructive guidance and recognition for their technical abilities.
  • State-Level Events: At prestigious championships hosted by organizations like the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors (PHCC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the team brought their deep knowledge to the table, reinforcing the importance of precision and innovation in the trades.
  • National Spotlights: The team proudly supported major national showcases, including SkillsUSA, the National Craft Championship and the Service Titan Elite Trades Championship—the latter of which captured the spotlight with a primetime broadcast on CBS Sports Network on December 13, 2024.
  • International Events: The PMG Technical Resource Team has served as judges for industry awards, competitions and skills challenges in Australia.

To read more about how PMG supported the next generation of building safety professionals through skilled competitions, click here. 

These events not only highlighted the incredible talent within the industry but also underscored the importance of fostering a sense of community and collaboration among emerging professionals.

A Legacy of Giving Back to the PMG Industry

 The Code Council’s PMG Technical Resource Team’s dedication to the next generation extends far beyond competitions. Their mission is rooted in a deep belief that the future of the PMG industry depends on the continued cultivation of skilled, passionate tradespeople. By engaging with young professionals, sharing career resources and advocating for the value of technical education, the team aims to build a stronger, more resilient workforce for years to come.

The joy and fulfillment of participating in these events are unmatched. From witnessing the enthusiasm of competitors to engaging in conversations about career paths and opportunities, the team has cherished every moment of their involvement.

Building Momentum for 2025

Building on the successes of 2024, the PMG Technical Resource Team is excited to carry this momentum into 2025 and beyond. Plans are already in motion to expand their presence at key events, reinforcing their role as dedicated advocates for the trades. Within the U.S., this includes participation in SkillsUSA at both regional and national levels, the National Craft Championships and PHCC events. Internationally, their efforts will extend to WorldSkills Australia at the regional level, leading to the National Championships in Brisbane in 2025, with the potential to represent at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026.

To those who share this vision: the PMG Technical Resource Team invites you to collaborate. Whether you’re hosting a competition, apprenticeship program or industry event, the team is eager to explore opportunities to contribute and make a difference.

If you or your organization would like to welcome a representative of the Code Council’s PMG Technical Resource Team to a 2025 event, we encourage you to reach out. Contact Gary Gauthier, Director of Technical Resources, at ggauthier@iccsafe.org, to discuss how we can work together to inspire and support the next generation of industry professionals.

As we look forward to 2025, we are reminded of the incredible potential that lies ahead. Together, we can continue to elevate the trades, one event, one apprentice, and one conversation at a time. 

To access the Code Council’s PMG-related resources, click here. To subscribe to the PMG newsletter, click here. 

About the Author
Gary Gauthier
Gary has over 40 years of experience working within the Construction and Plumbing Industry. He is a seasoned Construction Project Manager as well as a Licensed Master Plumber in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. In addition, Gary holds an Unrestricted Construction Supervisor’s License (CSL) within the state of Massachusetts and completely understands the significance of code correlation. Lastly, while working with the International Code Council, he is currently an Adult Educational Master Plumbing & Fuel Gas Instructor and Continuing Education Instructor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Member of the International Code Council PMG Team responsible for developing, coordinating, directing and implementing programs to ensure the successful completion of the Government Relations goals and objectives as they apply to the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and the International Private Sewage Disposal Code (and related services and programs of the International Code Council).