NIBCO Donates Training Boards to Support Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals

NIBCO INC. has donated two custom-built boiler and water heater system training boards to support hands-on education at two trade education institutions: Chicago Pipefitters Training Center, Local 597, in Mokena, Illinois, and ABC Construction Prep Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Designed to promote collaboration across the plumbing and HVAC industry, these builds were originally part of the Community Over Competition Build showcased at AHR Expo 2025. The initiative was led by Impetus Media with NIBCO as the title sponsor.

“Donations like this make a real impact in the classroom by giving our students valuable hands-on experience before they enter the field,” said Erik Bergman, apprentice coordinator at Local 597. “We’re always looking for ways to provide more practical training opportunities, and with this build, we’ll be able to use it across multiple classes, including hydronics and boiler systems.”

This effort reinforces NIBCO’s mission to strengthen the skilled trades through meaningful investments in education and hands-on learning.