Demonstrating exceptional technical skills, leadership, and a passion for the HVAC profession, Jantzen Fisher of South Dakota has been named the 2025 HVAC Apprentice of the Year by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC). The award, sponsored by PHCC Corporate Partner Rheem, was presented during PHCC CONNECT 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Fisher, a student in Western Dakota Technical College’s HVACR program, entered the profession after a chance conversation with a contractor sparked his interest in HVAC. Intrigued by the opportunity to master multiple disciplines – including electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and sheet metal – he pursued HVAC as a career and has quickly established himself as a standout in the industry.

During his training, Fisher has maintained a 4.0 GPA, earned a Build Dakota Scholarship, and served as president of the HVACR student club. He also competed successfully in SkillsUSA, taking first place at the state level. His instructors praise his dedication, curiosity, and commitment to excellence, noting his habit of arriving early, staying late, and asking thoughtful questions to deepen his knowledge.

Currently working with Midwestern Mechanical Inc., a PHCC member company in Rapid City, Fisher has impressed his colleagues with his strong work ethic, willingness to take on challenges, and eagerness to learn all aspects of the trade. Starting out as a part-time commercial HVAC installer, he progressed through refrigeration piping on commercial jobs before moving into service work.

“Jantzen is steady and competent,” write his nominators. “He has taken what he learned from Western Dakota Technical College and the variety of field experience he learned on the job and has carried that through to the daily tasks he encounters.”