The newest training program at the Northeast Florida Builders Association can best be described as “electrifying.”
Twenty-three female military veterans are enrolled in the basic 144-hour electrical class, funded through WorkSource and Veterans Affairs.
“The grant is designed to prepare women for a non-traditional trade, in this case, as electricians,” said Laura Laseman, NEFBA training program director. “Our regular apprentice programs are open to women, but this class is specifically for women.”
Laseman said there is a need to provide training for veterans and for female veterans in particular. Military training often is specific to the needs of the military and not immediately transferable to the needs of civilian employers. The new NEFBA program will make the transition to civilian life easier for those who complete it.
“The Veterans Electrician Apprentice Program (VEAP) is one of many ways we reach out to serve our veterans in the Northeast Florida region,” said Keith Brandon, who manages the program for WorkSource. “VEAP is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Labor. This program is gender specific to address a career field that has a low employment rate among women. The skilled trades are a high skill, high wage option for female veterans, and we are proud to be a part of promoting this career path.”
WorkSource is operated by First Coast Workforce Development Inc. and is responsible for providing a trained workforce to the 16,200 employers in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
To qualify for the special grant, applicants had to be female veterans discharged under honorable conditions. The also had to commit to taking classes two nights a week.
The program is under the direction of John Flynn, a 1976 graduate of the NEFBA four-year electrical apprenticeship program. Flynn also teaches NEFBA first-year electrical apprentice classes in cooperation with the Florida Community College at Jacksonville.
Kim DeBerry of Kim’s Electric was guest instructor last month, sharing her considerable experience and knowledge with the students.
DeBerry, also a NEFBA electrical apprentice program graduate, completed her training in 1988. By 1991, she had her own business. She has been a participating employer in the NEFBA apprentice program since then. She currently sponsors six NEFBA apprentices through her company.
DeBerry has a family tradition in the electrical field. Her brother David operates DeBerry Electric.
The Northeast Florida Builders Association provides education, research, legislative representation, media relations, promotions and programs for its 1,500-plus builder and associate members. The Association is celebrating 60 years of service to members and to the community through various charitable efforts.