Celebrating the 2018 ABC Carolinas Electrical Apprenticeship Graduating Class
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Carolinas Chapter celebrated its Electrical Apprenticeship graduating class of 2018 in June at Charlotte’s BB&T Ballpark, home of the Charlotte Knights baseball team. ABC Carolinas Chapter chose this venue to raise community awareness about the apprenticeship program and the career opportunities available in the construction industry. Cheered on by family, friends, co-workers and fellow ABC members, the 13 ABC Carolinas Chapter Electrical Apprenticeship graduates were publicly recognized during pre-game festivities.
Wearing ABC Carolinas Chapter-branded t-shirts imprinted with the slogan, “The Other 4-Year Degree,” the group of graduates walked onto the field as the Charlotte Knights announcer told spectators, “ABC Carolinas Chapter is the premier construction association representing the commercial/industrial construction industry. ABC members build the hospitals, churches, schools, office buildings – and even this amazing ballpark – where we live, work and play in the Carolinas. ABC Carolinas Chapter is investing in the future of the construction industry and is proud to introduce the Electrical Apprenticeship Graduation Class of 2018. Please welcome the future of the construction industry.” Valedictorian Jeff Klutzz of Eldeco was invited to throw out the first pitch.
ABC Carolinas Chapter’s rigorous four-year electrical apprenticeship program entails working full time during the day and attending classes two nights per week. The apprentices’ on-the-job training encompasses a variety of tasks, including use and care of tools, conduit, switchboards, wiring devices, lighting fixtures, motors and controls and general electrical work. The four years of classroom training utilizes standardized curriculum developed by the National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER).
According to Jeff Morris, ABC Carolinas Chapter director of workforce development, overall enrollment reached a new milestone this year. ABC Carolinas Chapter realized a 57 percent increase in total enrollment at both of its training center locations compared to the previous year.
“Congratulations to all of the 2018 graduates. We applaud your hard work, dedication and achievements. As you embark on this new beginning, we encourage you to make a difference in someone else’s life by sharing your knowledge. It’s a remarkable accomplishment to complete this program. We wish you continued success in your careers,” said Morris.
2018 ABC Carolinas Chapter Electrical Apprenticeship Graduates
Jose Cano – Howard Brother Electric
Chad Efrid – Gowdy Electric
Steven Hofmann – Watson Electrical Construction Company
Brandon Hunter – Starr Electric Company
Joshua Jenkins
Tyson Keenan
Jeff Klutzz, Valedictorian – Eldeco
Christopher Pavelek – Watson Electrical Construction Company
Christopher Pressley – Starr Electric Company
O’Bryant Ralph – WB Moore
Auturo Vizcarra Santiago – Hardhat Workforce Solutions
James Thornton – Watson Electric Company
David Vargus – Gaylor Electric
About ABC Carolinas Chapter Electrical Apprenticeship Program – During the last decade, ABC Carolinas Chapter has established skilled trade construction apprenticeship programs, expanding both its Charlotte and Raleigh locations to include educational facilities to accommodate these programs. The results speak for themselves. The 2017-2018 education year saw the largest enrollment to date for the NCCER/Core class – Introduction to Craft Skills – with a total of 157 enrollees. As of May 2018, there are more than 270 participants enrolled in the apprenticeship program. With future plans to expand the number of apprentices in Charlotte and Raleigh, along with the potential to launch similar programs at other locations in both North Carolina and South Carolina, ABC Carolinas Chapter is a major force in leading the industry effort to educate tomorrow’s skilled workforce. For more information on the ABC Apprenticeship Program, visit www.abccarolinas.com
