Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Institute’s 2018 graduation ceremony  has commemorated the 153 dedicated construction apprentices from Key West to Brevard County who completed their classroom education this year.

Depending on the program, students spent up to four years working full-time during the day, while attending up to 200 annual hours in classes at the institute during the evening.

Students from various trades including linemen, roofing, fire protection and electrical celebrated with their families, friends and fellow classmates on July 21 in Ft. Lauderdale. Keynote speaker Chris Riley, project executive of Power Design, Inc., provided inspirational words to send the students off with veteran wisdom, ABC said in a news release.

“We’re proud to welcome this class of graduates into the growing construction industry in South Florida,” said Riley. “With their skills they have learned through the Institute, they are bound to help build America for years to come.”

“This year’s class was exceptional,” said Peter Dyga, president and CEO of the ABC Florida East Coast Chapter. “We had students overcome challenges, tragedies and adversity. We’re proud of each and every student and all they have accomplished during their time at the institute.”

MasTec North America served as a sponsor of the ceremony.

In addition to receiving their certificates, 38 students and one instructor received monetary rewards, courtesy of ABC Cares, which provides financial assistance and support for members of the construction industry. They were honored for a variety of outstanding achievements, including perfect attendance during the current year and during their entire study, achieving the valedictorian title, and Instructor of the Year.

With more than 476,000 apprentices in America, the institute’s goal is to ensure each one receives proper education in their chosen trade, the news release said.