The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®), a worldwide organization of dedicated member professionals striving to make our planet a safer and healthier place in which to live, will again sponsor an essay competition awarding scholarships to three young people with an interest in how the plumbing and mechanical industry can create and promote positive change across the globe.
Participants in this year’s contest will submit essays expressing their thoughts on “How is the planet’s energy future tied to the innovation and skill of the plumbing and mechanical industry?” As the connection between energy usage and the heating/delivery of water becomes increasingly clear, opportunities for the plumbing and mechanical industry to play a vital role in the water/energy nexus are abundant. This topic chosen by the IAPMO Board of Directors provides ample room for exploration and solution finding by competition participants.
“Water and energy are tied more closely together than we often realize,” said IAPMO President Gary Hile. “The more we discover and examine those crossover areas, the better chance our industry can be on the leading edge of revolutionary change.”
This year, the Board of Directors has decided to open the competition to any student currently enrolled in a high school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or working in an apprentice program. (Previous contests were limited to those with a direct industry connection.)
“We hope to invite a wide range of perspectives by broadening the field of writers,” Hile said. “Energy conservation is an issue that reaches far beyond the plumbing and mechanical industry alone, so viewpoints from outside of our specific field of expertise are not only welcome, but vital.”
Submitted essays must be the completely original work of the submitter and a minimum of 1,000 words. The essay entry deadline is May 1, 2014, via e-mail, fax or mail to IAPMO World Headquarters. The winning essay will be announced next September at the 2014 IAPMO Education and Business Conference in Minneapolis, Minn. The author of the essay awarded first prize will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a one-year paid membership to IAPMO. Second-place winner will receive a $500 scholarship and the third-place winner will receive a $250 scholarship. All winning essays will also be published in Official, IAPMO’s membership magazine, and on the IAPMO website.
Individuals who meet the qualifications to submit an essay to the competition should include your name and your school’s or education/training organization’s name. All essays should be sent to Ms. Gabriella Davis at IAPMO by e-mail at gaby.davis@iapmo.org; by fax at (909) 472-4222; or by standard mail to her attention at IAPMO, 4755 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario, CA 91761.
Last modified: March 12, 2014