Jason Hale, instructor with students, left to right: Samuel Phoenix,
Marlon Skyers, Lazaro Alejo, Julio Gonzalez, and Donald Siebert
ABC Institute graduates
more than 150 apprentices
at Ft. Lauderdale ceremony
Florida Construction News staff writer
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Insti-
tute’s 2018 graduation ceremony has commemorated
the 153 dedicated construction apprentices from Key
West to Brevard County who completed their class-
room education this year.
Depending on the program, students spent up to
four years working full-time during the day, while at-
tending up to 200 annual hours in classes at the insti-
tute 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 chal-
lenges, tragedies and adversity. We’re proud of each
and every student and all they have accomplished dur-
ing their time at the institute.”
MasTec North America served as a sponsor of the
ceremony. In addition to receiving their certificates, 38 stu-
dents and one instructor received monetary rewards,
courtesy of ABC Cares, which provides financial assis-
tance and support for members of the construction in-
dustry. 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.
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Florida Construction News — SUMMER 2018 – 3