Boston – The Joint Apprentice and Training Committee for the Electrical Contracting Industry of Greater Boston held its 65th Annual Apprentice Graduation on June 2, 2011. One-hundred and thirty-one electrical apprentices and twenty-nine telecommunications apprentices graduated during a ceremony at the IBEW Local 103 in Dorchester.
Michael Monahan, Local 103 Business Manager and JATC Chairman said, “We are proud to have graduated many talented and skilled men and women from the electrical and telecommunications apprentice program to enter a challenging and rewarding career that provides life sustaining wages, benefits and a pension. Their employers will greatly benefit from their high -skill levels, quality of work and strong work ethic.”
The Special Achievement Awards were presented to the following:
David Richmond of Lawrence received the William M. Swanson, Jr., Electrical Apprentice of the Year Award – named after long term instructor, Assistant Training Director and Training Director of JATC of Greater Boston. This award is presented to the apprentice who has achieved the highest academic grades during the five year electrical program. David works for Stateline Power & Safety Systems, Inc. as a journeyman electrician. Bill’s wife, Judy Swanson, presented this award with Local 103 President John Dumas.
Derek Ogren of Haverhill received the Paul J. Woods Telecommunications Apprentice of the Year Award – named after General Foreman, Superintendent and Project Manager and instructor at the JATC of Greater Boston. This award is presented to the apprentice who has achieved the highest academic grades during the four year telecommunication/ technician apprentice program. Derek Ogren works as a telecommunications technician for Mass Electric Construction Co. Paul’s brother Chuck presented this award with JATC Assistant Training Director Chris Sherlock.
Michael J. Barry, Jr. of Quincy received the Charles A. McCarthy Memorial Award – named after- a member of Local 103 known as a true “brother,” whose love and devotion to his family was surpassed only for that of his family. The award is presented to the apprentice who demonstrates interest and efforts to promote solidarity and good will as an apprentice in the graduating class of 2011. Michael is employed by Broadway Electrical Co. as a journeyman electrician. Michael Monahan commented, “Since the day he began his apprenticeship, Mike Berry has shown his concern for our union and apprentice program by helping others. He has served for the past year as a student council president. Here he has distinguished himself as a very special person and brother. Charles McCarthy Jr. presented this award along with Michael Monahan, Local 103 Business Manager and JATC Chairman.
Fletcher Fuentes of Melrose received the Philip C. Davis Apprentice of the Year Award – named after an outstanding young
man and apprentice who was recognized by his apprentice peers as a unique leader and classmate. This award was presented
to Fletcher Fuentes who graduated from the JATC of Greater Boston Electrical Apprentice Program. Fletcher was recognized for
his unique qualities as an apprentice. One instructor noted, “When Fletcher speaks everyone listens.” Fletcheris a journeyman
electrician with Sullymac Electrical Construction Co. Philip’s father, Phil Sr. and sister Kara presented this award with JATC
Assistant Training Director Tom O’Toole.
Robert Adjemian of Norwood received the Russell F. Sheehan Distinguished Service Award – named after long term Local 103 officer who served as steward, recording secretary, assistant business manager, business manager and trust fund administrator.
Robert Adjemian has been an instructor with the JATC of Greater Boston since 1987 teaching both electrical and telecommunications apprentices. During the day Bob teaches electrical theory and is the lead instructor/mentor at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston. Leo Purcell, Director of Training at the JATC, commented when presenting this award, “Bob Adjemian is a driven self starter who brings his professional and strong communications skills to our classrooms. He is a problem solver who delivers course material in such a way that helps motivate his students to learn. Bob is simply a great teacher and we are fortunate to have him.” Mr. Adjemian is a licensed journeyman and master electrician. He attained his Bachelor’s Degree from UMass Boston and a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College. Russell’s wife, Donna Sheehan, presented this award with JATC Director of Training Leo Purcell.
The Joint Apprentice and Training Committee Trustees include: Local Union 103, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Michael Monahan, Chairman, Sean M. Callaghan, and John P. Dumas and the Boston Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association, William E. Weber, Jr., Secretary, Joseph Bodio and Alan Scharfe.
Leo J. Purcell, Director of Training; Thomas P. O’Toole, Asst. Director of Training and Christopher D. Sherlock, Asst. Director of Training make up the JATC full time administrative staff.