2026 NCCER Photo Contest
Construction is more than structures — it's skill, pride, training and teamwork. We're inviting craft professionals, students, instructors and employers to showcase the powerful moments that define the skilled trades.
Show Us What Building the Future Looks Like and Be Entered to Win:
- $500 VISA gift card
+ a featured spotlight in marketing campaigns.
Theme
Building the Future: Craftsmanship, Training and Pride in the Skilled Trades
Categories
We are looking for images in the following categories:
- Action – Skilled craft professional(s) at work
- Training and Education – Classroom or hands-on instruction
- Safety Excellence – Proper procedures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in use
- Teamwork – Collaboration on a job site
- Completed project – Display craftsmanship
- Student/apprentice spotlight – Emerging workforce
Prizes
Grand Prize
- $500 VISA gift card
- A featured spotlight in marketing campaigns, including social media
Category Awards
- $100 VISA gift card
- Featured in marketing campaigns, including social media
People's Choice Award
- $250 VISA gift card
- Featured in marketing campaigns, including social media
Official Rules
The goal of the NCCER Photo Contest is to showcase craft professionals, construction education and incredible craftsmanship. By submitting a photo for consideration in the Contest, you agree to these NCCER Photo Contest Official Rules.
Who May Enter
U.S. residents 18 years of age or older may enter the Contest.*
The entrant certifies they are the sole creator and copyright owner of any submitted photograph.
Photos containing children younger than the age of 18 may only be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. The following permissions will be applied:
"I consent to my child being photographed, and I understand that those images may be used by NCCER on its website, social media accounts, in NCCER publications and literature, and/or media publications. I understand that no monetary compensation will be offered for use of any such images."
Photos that violate or infringe upon another person's rights, including but not limited to copyright, are not eligible.
*Individuals employed by NCCER, including staff, interns, and their immediate families (children, parents, siblings, and spouses) and others living in their households are not eligible for any prize.
How To Enter
Please submit only original photographs taken by the entrant or the entrant’s representative.
All entries must:
- Include a short description (50 – 150 words)
- Include photographer name
- Include organization/company name (if applicable)
- Be high-resolution (minimum 300 DPI / 2,000 px on long side) and in JPG or PNG format
- Not be AI generated/manipulated images or stock images
- Accurately represent construction or training environments
- Display safe work practices and include all require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Photos not deemed to meet the above criteria will be disqualified.
NCCER may collect a photograph’s metadata upon entry.
Contest Results
- Photo entries will be judged based on authenticity, relevance, storytelling and technical quality.
- NCCER will notify winners via the contact information provided upon submission of photo(s).
- Judging will take place from June 8 - 12 and winners will be announced the week of June 15.
- Winners must respond to the notification within five business days of notification to claim a prize.