The recent Northeast Florida Builders Association Apprentice graduation celebrated the completion of four years of training in carpentry, electrical, heating and air conditioning and plumbing for 53 students.
Families and friends of the graduates were on hand for the program and reception in the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts at St. Johns River Community College, Orange Park campus. The reception was sponsored by Nimnicht Chevrolet.
NEFBA President Bryan Lendry and NEFBA Training Vice President Keith Ward addressed the graduates, and certificates were awarded by apprentice chairmen Steve Auld, Auld & White Constructors (carpentry); John Griffin, United Electric Co. (electrical); Rick Harper, Florida Comfort (heating and air-conditioning); and Mark Evans, David Gray Plumbing (plumbing).
Lendry recognized the outstanding apprentices:
• Douglas W. Amos, C.W. Wood Plumbing, Outstanding Plumbing Graduate
• Kjell J. Fransson, Regency Electric, Outstanding Electrical Graduate
• Robert B. Nevin, Bowman Heating and Air-Conditioning, Outstanding Heating & Air-Conditioning Graduate
• Steven L. Shaw, Auld & White Constructors, Outstanding Carpentry Graduate
Three students received awards for perfect attendance during their four years of study:
• Michael D. Abercrombie, AFP Heating & Air-Conditioning
• Eldon R. Blaylock, Powell Heating & Air-Conditioning
• Jason G. Langston, United Electric
Electrical instructor Larry Helm received a special tribute for his years of service to the program. Helm, who is retiring, was one of the original instructors with the program and has been a dedicated instructor and mentor for many students.