The Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MACCA) recognized their Apprenticeship Program advancers and graduates during a banquet held on July 11, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Sarasota Bradenton Airport, Sarasota FL.
Ten Apprenticeship Graduates, fourteen 2nd year advancers and nineteen 1st year advancers were congratulated by the gathering of contractors, employees, family members and friends.
Keynote Speaker Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) President Rick Sims of Johnson’s AC talked about the value of apprenticeship programs from a business owner’s point of view.
“Statistics show that only 1 out of 5 enrollees in apprenticeship programs make it to graduation. So why do we business owners keep sponsoring students? We can’t hire people off the street with the skills and competency you have acquired. One of the students I sponsored over twenty years ago, Keith Thomas, has been with me 23 years. Several other graduates I sponsored have been with me for over ten years. Do you have any idea how valuable they are to me? That’s why I’ll keep sponsoring apprentices. Tonight, we’re going to celebrate and tomorrow your journey begins.”
Rick went on to describe the origins of apprenticeship in western Europe hundreds of years ago. When apprentices completed their training and became ‘journeymen’, they had to travel the countryside and use their skills until they gained enough experience to be accepted as ‘craftsmen’ in their trades.
“Remember as you go to pay it back, help those who follow you by sharing the knowledge you have gained,” Rick concluded. “This is the day we’ve been working towards, whether you’re serving on the apprenticeship committee, instructing or a student, this is what it’s all about. Congratulations to all of you for another mission completed.”
A highlight of the evening was recognition Brian Bacher as the 2019 Most Accomplished Apprentice, based on his grades, attendance, conduct and on-the-job training performance over the three years of the program. Brian received an award sponsored by Air Service of Manasota, Inc. and a graduation gift donated by Trane Supply.
Sponsors Trane Supply, Tropic Supply and Winnsupply provided gifts to all the graduates.
For more information about MACCA and their apprenticeship program, visit www.macca.us, email info@macca.us or call 941-404-3407.
Additional photos of this event are available here and at flhvacinsider.smugmug.com.
