On May 6, it was my pleasure and honor to address the 2014 apprentice graduating class and to congratulate the 18 outstanding men who completed the four years of on-the-job training and education.
Early in the 1970s, NEFBA recognized the need to develop a strong construction workforce here in Northeast Florida.
In cooperation with Florida State College at Jacksonville, which was Florida Junior College at the time, NEFBA was successful in starting this apprenticeship program. We are happy to continue that relationship as well as a more recent relationship with St. Johns River State College.
Graduation doesn’t come easy. It’s a function of the apprentice’s hard work, sacrifice and commitment to getting the job done. I know there were times when each apprentice was tempted to go to a ball game, play golf or go hunting or fishing but work and study prevented it, along with a commitment to build a strong future. That determination and commitment were celebrated at graduation.
Over the years, more than 1,600 people have graduated from one of the four crafts NEFBA’s apprenticeship program offers. Many of NEFBA’s apprentice graduates return to the association as contractors or associate members and instructors.
Some of our graduates have climbed to the top of the corporate ladder; others are supervisors, managers or business owners. Still others find a satisfying career in their chosen trade, employed as inspectors with county building departments or as instructors at area high schools.
We appreciate all our contractors who continue to support this program by hiring apprentices. We know the day will come when some of the 2014 graduating class will be in a position to sponsor other men and women in the trades, continuing this time-honored tradition of apprenticeship training.
To all the graduates, and on behalf of the association, we wish you a successful career in the building industry. Upon completion of this program and with your certificate of completion in hand, you are now well on your way.
Congratulations,
Daniel Blanchard