The Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Central Florida (ACCA/CF) recognized their 2020 Apprenticeship Advancers and Graduates at their Longwood training facility on May 27 and 28, 2020. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the program to limit attendance at the events to students and instructors.

“In addition to facing the usual challenges of balancing work and personal commitments with attending class this year, our students and faculty did a tremendous job adapting to the social distancing and training restrictions placed on them by the coronavirus threat in completing this year’s program,” stated Orange Technical College Program Coordinator Emery Cary. “It is unfortunate that we couldn’t be joined by the students’ families, friends and co-workers in celebrating their achievements this year but that doesn’t detract from the significance of their accomplishments.”

The 3-year program graduated 17 apprentices this year: Tyson Andrea, David Ashley, Alex Benitez, James Bush, Dustin Davis, Alexander Dery, Enock Gabriel, Dino Gosto, Carl Haas, Joshua Johnson, Arthur Lopez, Justin Minnick, Dante Parenti, Robert Ramirez, Chris Schultz, Peter Soto and Chris Svehlek.

49 1st year students advanced to the 2nd year and 28 2nd year students moved on to enter the 3rd year of the program.

Chris Schultz was presented the 2019/20 Chris Bright Apprentice of the Year Award and Daniel Molina was recognized as the recipient of the 2019/20 Gary MacLeod Achievement Award, Always Striving for Success.

The following students were recognized for attaining the highest grade point averages in their respective classes: 1st year (3 classes) John King, Nikolaos Kopsidas and Elijah Thomas; 2nd year (2 classes) Michael Lambert and Terrance Tillman and 3rd year (2 classes) Dustin Davis and Chris Schultz.

A total of 15 students in the program had perfect attendance for the year with apprentice Chris Bright achieving the feat for all three years.

ACCA/CF Executive Director Paula Huband expressed appreciation to the Apprenticeship Committee, Coordinator Emery Carey, participating contractors, CareerSource for “taking the program to the level” and the following instructors and sponsors.

Instructors: Andy Brunkala, Ellen Logue, Tony Duncan, Ken Zalk, Mark Wesson, Emery Cary, Gary MacLeod, Don Shehane, Ray Pierce, Keshay Davis and James Walch.

Sponsors: Blacks Supply, CE, E.C. Waters, Energy Air, Ferran, Johnstone Supply the Ware Group, Schwenn Services, Service One, Tropic Supply, Wesson Air and Westbrook.

Editor’s note: The ACCA/CF Apprenticeship Program is currently seeking applicants for a full-time 1st year instructor for the Westside location in Winter Garden, FL. Qualified, energetic, computer-savvy Individuals interested in making a difference in the apprentices’ futures should contact Executive Director Paula Huband by calling 407-260-2206 or emailing Paula.Huband@ACCACF.com.

Additional photos are available here.