by Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
Brian Campanella joined the Northeast Florida Builders Association Apprentice Program in 2001 as an apprentice with American Electrical Contracting, a full-service electrical contractor and NEFBA member.
Campanella, who graduated from the electrical program in May, typifies what is best about the apprentice candidates. He is motivated, hard-working and ready for a challenge.
At 4 feet 2 inches, Campanella had one challenge other apprentices don’t face. He has a condition called achondroplasia, but he did not let the condition hinder his pursuit of a career in the construction trades.
Campanella moved to Northeast Florida from Fort Lauderdale when he was in his mid-20s in search of work. After relocating to Jacksonville, Campanella found a position as an electrician’s assistant.
About a year later, Campanella married and began to build a life with his new wife, Kristi.
NEFBA’s Apprentice Program provides vocational classroom instruction and on-the-job training in four building trades: air-conditioning/heating, carpentry, electrical and plumbing.
In May Campanella completed four years of classes and on-the-job training and graduated from the Apprentice Program. He continues to work for American Electrical Contracting. This Southside company of 75 employees was established five years ago and employs a licensed journeyman to run each truck and 10 master electricians. Owner Billy Frick has worked in the field since graduating from Englewood High School in 1972. He attributes a portion of his success to highly qualified employees.
In the 29 years since it was established, the apprentice program has produced hundreds of graduates. Frick has ample experience both as an employee and as a sponsoring employer with program participants studying to be electricians.
“I have been involved with the NEFBA Apprentice Program for years,” Frick said. “I worked for sponsoring companies before starting my own business. We sponsor four to six people each year. This year we have six apprentice participants working with us.”
Both Frick and Campanella have had extremely positive experiences with the apprentice program and recommend that others participate either as students or sponsoring employers.
“When the student completes the program, he or she has hands-on training as well as four years of formal education in the field of choice,” Frick said. “Apprentice graduates are prepared to take the journeyman’s exam and begin to move up in the field.
“It is very difficult to find people committed to working a 40-hour week while attending night classes twice a week for four years. Brian is one of those rare individuals. He is committed to success. He has met the challenges laid before him with a positive attitude that is truly an inspiration to others. He is motivated, dedicated and hard working.
“In the four years he has worked for me, he has not missed a day. Brian gives 110 percent every day and motivates other employees as well. Clients love him because he is capable, friendly and customer oriented.”
Campanella agrees that the four-year program requires commitment and dedication.
“The classes are challenging and the result is that we, as students, learn a great deal in the classroom and on the job,” Campanella said. “I have worked hard to successfully complete the program. Attending class twice a week can be difficult after working all day, but I missed only one class in four years, and I plan to take the journeyman’s exam soon.”
Campanella chose to work toward a position as an electrician because there is always a need. Job security is important to Campanella who graduated from the program just a month before his first son was born.
“I love my job and there is always a need for electricians,” Campanella said. “I enjoy the challenges presented by electrical work. It also works out well for me, at 4 foot 2 inches in stature. I work on remodels, residential, commercial and industrial installations and repairs and new construction. I install electrical systems to code, meet the demands of custom home installations and the needs of customers with special wiring requirements. My goal is to install or repair wiring systems correctly and make the customer happy.”
The Apprentice Program offers invaluable training and experience.
“I recommend the program to all the new hires,” Campanella said. “It has been an amazing experience. I am a better electrician because of the training I received. It also teaches discipline and is a great opportunity for networking. I have met many people with similar interests and learned what other industry professionals are doing.”
Campanella, who is a regular Builder’s Care volunteer, worked with American Electrical Contracting on a home in Hastings while still participating in the apprentice program.
“The ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ project was a challenge, primarily because of the time constraints,” Campanella said. “But, we finished the job and I would definitely do it again.”
Frick, who expects his company to clear $6 million dollars in revenue this year, feels that participation in the program has contributed greatly to the success of his company.
“It is my belief that the guy with the smartest employees has the most successful business,” Frick said. “The NEFBA Apprentice Program consistently produces educated, committed professionals and hiring them helps me build a prosperous business.”
The formal education component of the NEFBA Apprentice Program consists of instructor-led classes conducted through Florida Community College at Jacksonville and St. Johns River Community College at no charge to apprentice program participants. With the help of numerous NEFBA members as sponsoring employers, many motivated, committed individuals from different age groups and with a variety of life experiences are afforded the opportunity to learn a trade and excel in their chosen fields.