Boston – Local 103, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Joint Apprentice and Training Committee of Greater Boston (JATC), announced the first group of Local 103/ Member Graduates of Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT). Twenty nine Local 103 union members graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology (AENT), and received their Degrees at the WIT Summer Commencement on Sunday, August 21, 2011, at the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston. This degree program is part of a special articulation agreement signed between Local 103 and The Arioch Center at WIT in 2009. The agreement provides an opportunity for members of Local 103 and JATC graduates to obtain an AENT. JATC graduates now have an opportunity to advance their careers through a professional degree program designed to enhance training and skills developed during the course of their apprenticeships. Michael Monahan, Business Manager of Local 103, and co-signer of the articulation agreement with WIT, stated, “Most of the graduates of the Associate Degree Program will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree. This program is part of our ongoing efforts at Local 103 to provide our members with as many meaningful education and training opportunities as possible. We look forward to the success of this program and expanding educational opportunities in the future.” Dr. Zorica Pantic, President of WIT commented at a recent reception honoring the new graduates, “We are very excited about the partnership with Local 103. I would like to recognize the leadership of Local 103 and the Arioch Center at WIT for their successful effort to formulate and formalize this educational opportunity. I am particularly impressed with the vision of Local 103 Business Manager Michael Monahan and his commitment to advance educational opportunities for Local 103 members. I believe this program benefits his members as well as the Electrical Industry. It is wonderful that as a result of our partnership, these trained and skilled electrical construction workers can earn an Associate Degree and Bachelor Degree. The graduates worked so hard and it gives them a very practical and excellent education at many levels.” Lawrence Carr, Dean of Wentworth’s College of Professional and Continuing Education, said,” I am enormously proud of these graduates. This will open doors for members of Local 103 that otherwise would not have been opened. We at WIT are so happy to contribute to this success story.” Leo Purcell, Director of Training for the JATC commented, ”We are excited to see the first graduates of this worthwhile and first class program. The coursework will provide many opportunities for our graduates. This program would not have been possible without the leadership and support of Local 103 and its Business Manager Michael Monahan, as well as the JATC Board of Trustees and our NECA contractors.” Jeffrey Muldoon, a Local 103 graduate of WIT from Westwood said, “It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice which included eight hours of classes on Saturdays as well as many, many hours during the week. I feel great about my personal accomplishment. It will help me with critical thinking and I can utilize my degree with my Massachusetts Electrician’s license. I look forward to now pursuing my Bachelor Degree at WIT.” Brendan G. Kennedy of Ipswich, who is also a Local 103 graduate, commented,” The Associate Degree is something I often thought of, now it is a reality and mine. It is so valuable personally and will benefit to my career.” Some graduates received financial assistance in order to pursue their degree including help from the New England Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). NECA awarded five $2,000 scholarships to WIT students. Local 103 graduate, Gary Kirk originally from County Derry, Ireland, and now lives in Quincy, was a recipient of one of the NECA scholarships. Kirk said, “The scholarship made it possible for me to attend Wentworth and get my Associate Degree. I am so thankful to my union, Local 103, and the JATC, for their help in providing this opportunity not only for me but my family.” Scott Lennerton of Malden, a veteran with three tours in Iraq, has been an electrician with Local 103 for 12 years. Linnerton said, “This program is a tremendous benefit to me as a member of Local 103 and as a veteran. I am thankful and appreciative for how supportive Michael Monahan and Local 103 has been of its veterans. I am going to continue in the Wentworth Bachelor Degree program.” Ryan Toland of South Boston, and electrical contractor (Atlantic Power and Light) said, ”The AENT is a great program and adds value to my company when bidding jobs. It was a challenge to work while earning the degree but the additional knowledge is a great asset. The knowledge and degree helps my company and Local 103 members to become more marketable.” Mike Norris of Quincy, who also graduated from the program, noted that he would be starting a new job soon with the Boston Public Schools as an instructor at the Madison Park High School. Even though Norris has almost 15 years as an electrician and member of Local 103, the instructor position required one to have an associate degree. Norris said, “I couldn’t believe it when I was told I got this job that a door opened so quickly after getting my degree.”
First Grads of 2011 Wentworth’s AASET Degree Program Announced
Boston – Local 103, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Joint Apprentice and Training Committee of Greater Boston (JATC), announced the first group of Local 103/ Member Graduates of Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT).