“The program has seen many changes in program leadership and structure in its decades-long tenure,” Klaton said. “But it has had one constant – its unfailing commitment to provide education and training to the future tradespeople in service of our University and the surrounding community.”
Sheehy, in her remarks, noted this class of apprentices had to endure additional challenges.
“These 11 individuals developed and demonstrated proficiency in their trades, while at the same time rising to meet the challenges brought by the COVID pandemic,” Sheehy said. “You’ve spent your formative second and third years in the program learning on the job while supporting increased demands and an enhanced safety measures around COVID-19.”
Sheehy also noted that while the trades were still male-dominated, two women were graduating this year, both electricians.
“We’re really proud of the women who have gone through our apprenticeship program,” she said, citing Brittany Collier and Jalisa Stinnie by name. “We’re making good strides.”
Sheehy also reminded the graduates to be thankful for the support they have received from their families and their mentors during their time in the program.