National Skilled Trades Day 2022: A Tale of Two Tradesmen
U.S. National Skilled Trades Day is observed annually on the first Wednesday in May. This year, we’ve decided to highlight two tradesmen at Autumn who are at different stages in their careers. Though, we cannot be more grateful to every skilled trades man and woman supporting our mission. Your knowledge and commitment are critical to the success of our team and the industry! #NationalSkilledTradesDay
Bob Bickel | Journeyman Pipefitter
Bob Bickel is a seasoned, industry expert. He is not only an extremely experienced journeyman pipefitter but also an excellent mentor to new apprentices and less experienced pipefitters within the Autumn shop.
Bob completed his apprenticeship in 1988 for the Pipefitters of Chicago 597 and has been with Autumn since November of 2013. As a journeyman pipefitter, he mostly supports our Mechanical Construction projects but has been known to support Autumn’s Services team as well.
With his years of experience, Bob is one of the most reliable utility employees Autumn has on our bench. In preparation for retirement, Bob has purchased a home on a lake to be closer to his favorite hobby, fishing.
Mike Chappell | HVAC Service Technician
Newer to the skilled trades industry is HVAC Service Technician, Mike Chappell.
From 2013 to 2017, Mike served active duty with the Navy as an Engineman Second Class Petty Officer. Upon completing his Active Duty, he transferred to the Navy Reserves. While working as a delivery driver, Mike was introduced to the mechanical trades. Soon after, he was accepted into both the Plumbers Local 140 and Pipefitters Local 597. Mike decided the best route for him was to join the Pipefitters Local 597 apprenticeship, beginning his career in HVAC Commercial and Industrial Service. Mike has been a successful team member at Autumn Construction Services since he started in 2019.
We are proud of Mike for his noble career journey, first serving our country in the armed forces and now serving Autumn’s local customers as a skilled tradesman.
