Forty-eight construction tradesmen officially took their place in the Jacksonville workforce last month as graduates of the 2004 Northeast Florida Builders Association Apprentice class. Graduates received diplomas in carpentry, electrical, heating and air, plumbing and sheet metal trades in ceremonies at the Florida Community College of Jacksonville’s Downtown Campus.
Mark Nechvatal, NEFBA’s Training Vice President, was master of ceremonies and NEFBA President Greg Matovina addressed the graduates.
“Give 150 percent effort on the job,” Matovina advised. “And, when you have the opportunity, give back to the program by becoming instructors.”
Matovina suggested joining the Association and sponsoring future apprentice program students.
Barry Allred, president of Elkins Constructors and chairman of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, was the commencement speaker.
“You are now first-rate craftsmen,” Allred said. “You have mastered the technical aspects of your trades. You can look forward to many choices in employers and geographic locations. You can choose residential or commercial construction. And, you can look forward to strong earnings potential.”
Allred told the graduates they could expect opportunities as skilled tradesmen, supervisors, management and business owners, if they are willing to develop the skills necessary to become invaluable to the company or their employer.
Allred gave the graduates his keys to success.
“Do what you have a passion for, guard your reputation, exceed expectations and give something back,” he said. “Don’t forget to give something back to the industry, your community and the world.”
Certificates were awarded by the chairman of each trade: Steve Auld, Auld & White Constructors, Carpentry Chairman; John Griffin, United Electric Co., Electrical Chairman; Rick Harper, Florida Comfort Inc., Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration and Sheet Metal Chairman; Mark Evans, David Gray Plumbing Co., Plumbing Chairman.
The following individuals received awards as outstanding apprentice graduates:
• Electrical: Timothy D. Sprink, Jacksonville, Bill Thompson Electric
• Carpentry: Stephen P. Hillyard, Orange Park, Auld & White Constructors and Mark A. Mers, Starke, The Haskell Company
• Plumbing: James Rood, Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center
• Sheet Metal: Richard C. Jastremski, Orange Park, River City Fabricators
• Heating and Air-Conditioning: Kenneth E. Hunt, Jacksonville, Arlington Fuel Oil Co.
Sprink and Hunt also received awards for perfect attendance during four years of study.
Representatives from the Florida Community College at Jacksonville and the St. Johns River Community College participated in the ceremonies.
Laura Laseman, NEFBA Director of Training, was presented a bouquet of 25 red roses. The May ceremony was the 25th graduation Laseman has coordinated for the Association.
Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests attended a reception in the lobby of the auditorium.