The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, Tampa Bay (RACCA) Apprenticeship Program recognized the 2023 Journeyman and fifth-year refrigeration class graduates during a celebration held at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL on May 25, 2023. Fourteen Journeymen graduated from the 4-year Heating and Air Conditioning Installer/Servicer program and there were six graduates of the 5-year Refrigeration Mechanic program this year. Apprentices of the year and students with perfect attendance were also recognized.
Keane Bismarck, RACCA Apprenticeship Administrator, spoke of the program and recognized the RACCA Apprenticeship Committee for all their hard work. “This was our 27th year partnering with Pinellas County Schools and we’re very thankful for the cooperation we’ve had from what is now Pinellas Technical College (PTC). This year’s graduating class is smaller than the groups we had pre-COVID but, judging by the enthusiastic support shown by local companies enrolling their technicians in our program, all our classes will be busting at the seams in a couple of years.”
Guest speaker PTC Assistant Director Kimberly Barker echoed Keane’s praise of the relationship between the two programs. “PTC has had a great relationship with the RACCA Apprenticeship Program and we consider it one of our premier partnerships. Enjoy this evening and congratulations to you. We are proud of your accomplishments as graduates of the program and wish you success in the continuation of your careers.”
Third-year instructor Jason Saylor and second-year instructor J.C. Jannarone were asked to speak about what led them to the HVACR trade and why they became involved in teaching
Jason stated “I grew up in Texas enjoying working on cars in high school but in 1993 when I graduated, job opportunities were very slim. My stepdad said I should consider air conditioning rather than auto repair as a career because I’d never be without a job. I got some training at a small technical school in Houston. When we moved to Florida, I heard about the RACCA program and the company that hired me let me enroll. My career has been a blessing. It has been so beneficial, allowing me to provide for my family, that I wanted to give back. When I was given the opportunity to teach, I grabbed it, eager to help others have successful careers.”
J.C. shared his experiences, beginning by stating that college and the Army did not lead to a career path that he embraced. “My stepdad started Prime Air Conditioning before I got back form the Army and HVAC started to make sense and look right. I attended the RACCA program and I loved my instructors. They gave me a sense of belonging, always encouraging me to succeed. And it was true. They gave me more than any other training program or school I had enrolled in. The program solidified things for me and gave me direction and confidence. Keane sensed my excitement and nudged me into considering teaching and eventually I agreed. I implore if you enjoyed the program, consider this path as you go forward. I have gained more from being an instructor, professionally and personally, than I ever thought would be possible.”
Fifth-year refrigeration class graduate Mark Hyndman was presented with the Klein Tools Certificate for Outstanding Graduate of Pinellas Technical College, an engraved set of Klein Tools cutting pliers and a Klein multi-meter. Mark also received a Recognition of Extraordinary Attendance award for not missing any classes during the entire five-year program.
Graduate Matt Lunghofer received the 2023 Florida HVAC Insider Journeyman Award. The Journeyman Award recognizes the outstanding graduate of the four-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.
Keane Bismarck concluded the evening by thanking Federated Insurance for their sponsorship of the ceremony, Victor Distributing and Tropic Supply for providing gift cards to the graduates and Klein Tools and The Florida HVAC Insider for sponsoring the awards.
For information about enrolling, teaching or sponsorships in the RACCA Apprenticeship Program contact Keane Bismarck by emailing keane.bismarck@gmail.com.
Visit https://acprosite.com/photos/ gallery 2023 0525 RACCA Graduation to view and download photos.
