The Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Central Florida (ACCA/CF) celebrated the 2024 graduating and advancing students of their apprenticeship program during a breakfast ceremony on May 18, 2024, at the Northland Church Link in Longwood, Florida.
ACCA/CF Executive Director Erica Mattis welcomed the several hundred students, family members, contractors and guests that came to congratulate the advancers from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd year classes and the 3rd-year graduates.
Paula Huband, Director of Events at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (and past ACCA/CF Executive Director), was the first speaker introduced. She stressed the importance of getting to know the people around you to the students. “Think of the people you have met during your time in this program or during your career. You are among an elite group in this industry. You need to fill up your contact sheet or phone. You don’t know now who you may be working alongside or interviewing with as you move on in your careers.”
Paula introduced Guest Speaker Scott Weifel, Senior Director of Orange Technical College (OTC) – West Campus, who stressed the importance of studying in registered apprenticeship programs and knowing that they have and are receiving the best education available. “Your teachers are not doing this for the money. The sole reason your teachers are doing this for you is because they are paying it forward to the next generation. They love the industry you’re in and they want to make sure it’s in good hands.”
Scott continued, recognizing the employers and students. “Your employers understand the value of the investment they are making in you and crafting your future and you should be proud of that and the companies you’re working in. Graduates, take time to be proud of yourselves. You’ve grown professionally and personally because you’ve shown determination, grit and perseverance. You’ve chosen to do something that’s hard. Now, we celebrate you. Congratulations!”
Erica recognized the program instructors, Andy Brunkala, Tony Duncan, Ellen Logue, Ray Pearce, Paul Coveney, and Paul Pierce and part-time instructors Mark Wesson, Don Shehane, Bryan Caldwell and Don Quinones.
The students were presented with their certificates and goodies and special recognition was given to the students with the highest grade point average and perfect attendance in each class.
Joshua Walker was presented the 2023/24 Chris Bright Apprentice of the Year Award and Marco Castro was recognized as the recipient of the 2023/24 Gary MacLeod Achievement Award, Always Striving for Success, concluding the ceremonies.
The following sponsors were recognized for their support of the Association and the Apprenticeship Program: Apprentice of the Year gauge sponsor Johnstone Supply the Ware Group and Tropic Supply for donating a $100 gift card to each 3rd year graduate; Gauge Sponsors Black’s Supply and York and additional sponsors Energy Air, Greens Energy, AirFlow Designs, Ferran, Wesson Air, Schwenn Services, Ambrose Air, Service One, Reliable Services Group, and OTC.
Information about ACCA/CF and the Apprenticeship Program can be found HERE. Please contact Executive Director Erica Mattis at 407.260.2206 if you have any questions.
View and download photos of the graduation HERE. Search for “2024 05 ACCA CF Graduation”.
