The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, Tampa Bay (RACCA) recognized the 2025 Journeyman graduates at their 27th annual Apprenticeship Program Graduation ceremony on May 7, 2025. Held at the Pinellas Technical College (PTEC) Clearwater, FL campus, the event also represented the 25th year of partnership between the Apprenticeship Program and PTEC.
RACCA Apprenticeship Program Administrator Keane Bismarck kicked off the evening by welcoming the graduates, students, instructors, RACCA board members, guests and special guest PTEC Clearwater Campus Assistant Administrator Kimberly Barker.
“The RACCA Apprenticeship Program has been a tremendous success for 25 years and though the Technical College has gone through some changes, RACCA’s involvement has been unwavering and very much appreciated,” Ms. Barker stated as she presented RACCA President Rene Pagan with an award commemorating the anniversary.
Keane continued with the evening’s agenda, recognizing the sacrifices made by the students, their families and their employers. “Thank you once again to Tropic Supply for providing $50 gift cards to the 4th and 5th year graduates, Victor Distributing for donating $50 gift cards to the apprentices of the year and RACCA for giving those with perfect attendance $25 Outback Restaurant gift cards.”
The instructors, many of whom had gone through the program, had successful careers and are now sharing their knowledge and helping others along, were also recognized:: 1st year instructors Keane Bismarck and Marc LaMont, 2nd year instructors J.C. Jannarone and Mark Bean, 3rd year instructors Vic Pagano and Jason Saylor, 4th year instructors Loren Wunderle and Tim Parker and 5th year instructor Wayne Carothers.
A decision has been made during the year that the 5th year Refrigeration class will be dropped from the curriculum moving ahead.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 ACprosite Journeyman Program Award which recognizes the outstanding graduate of the 4-year apprenticeship program, based on the highest grade point average, attendance record, number of Apprentice of the Month Awards received and the best OJT timecard record over the four years. William Dallam was this year’s recipient.
Find out more about the RACCA Apprenticeship Program and how to participate by visiting https://racca-florida.org.
View and download all the photos from the graduation here: https://acprosite.com/photos. Search for 2025 05 RACCA Graduation.
