BANCF Announces Graduation Ceremony from its Apprenticeship Program
May 4, 2023
May 4, 2023 – The 2023 Apprenticeship Graduation took place on Wednesday, May 3, at the Santa Fe College Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall. The graduating class was comprised of 41 apprentices from the electrical, plumbing, carpentry, heating and air conditioning trades. Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) 2023 President, John Jones, spoke at the ceremony, where he applauded the apprentices for their hard work and dedication to the program. The keynote speech was delivered by The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) CEO, Boyd Worsham. The conferring of the degrees was delivered by Blake Fletcher, Santa Fe College Board of Trustees.
"Society has been pushing for everyone to go to college and the only way to "make it" or to be "successful in a career" is to have a college degree…… well, that may be true for some, but for the rest of us, I say the best career to have, is one in the trades. Society can't function and communities can't grow without the trades. We are important, you are important, which is why this evening is so special. Just like any other college graduate, you learned a skill and did the time, so be proud when you walk across this stage because you have "made it" and you do have a "successful career"," said John Jones.
"Graduates from programs such as this are the future and the lifeblood of this vital industry. When the construction industry and education work together, as they have at Sante Fe College, improved outcomes for individuals and our communities are the result which is the ultimate win for our industry. NCCER is extremely proud to have been a small part of this huge win for the college and the graduates.", said Boyd Worsham.
The Apprenticeship Program began in 2006. The number of apprentices going through the program and graduating continues to grow every year. To date, the program has graduated over 500 apprentices. As the program grows, BANCF and Santa Fe College will continue to forward this ever-expanding workforce of skilled Journeyworkers into our community and the industry.
"The BANCF Apprenticeship Program provides unmatched opportunity for apprentices to receive a 1st class education, college credits, national accreditation, no-cost tuition, and the ability to earn over $150,000 throughout 4 years of training. Our instructors and facilities at Santa Fe College are phenomenal and the demand for our graduates is enormous. The graduates from this program have not only enhanced their skills but have developed a commitment and pride in their abilities that raises the craftsmanship bar for our members and our community", said Ed Huene, Senior Project Manager of Parrish McCall Constructors.
For more information, please visit the BANCF website at https://www.bancf.com/apprenticeship-program/. For information about apprenticeship programs at SF, visit sfcollege.edu/construction or email justin.a.macdougall@sfcollege.edu.
