The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, Tampa Bay (RACCA) recognized the 2020 Journeyman graduates at a banquet held July 16, 2020 at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL. Completers of the fifth-year commercial refrigeration class, apprentices of the year and those with perfect attendance were also recognized. Thirteen Journeymen graduated from the 4-year Heating and Air Conditioning Installer/Servicer program and there were nine completers of the 5-year Refrigeration Mechanic program this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 2-month delay and downsizing of this year’s celebration, with just over 40 people in attendance. Physical distancing and mask-wearing guidelines were adhered to, with those participating in group photos removing their face coverings long enough to have their pictures taken.

RACCA Apprenticeship Program Administrator Keane Bismark began the meeting stating that plans are underway and registrations being accepted for the 2020/2021 school year. “This successful and very popular program is entering its 24th year of servicing the training needs for Tampa Bay area HVACR Contractors. Special attention to the safety of apprentices and instructors is being planned in light of Covid-19, with classes scheduled to begin October 5th and 6th. For more information on the program and costs, please contact me at 813-253-9859.”

Keane recognized Federated Insurance for their sponsorship of the graduation ceremony and Victor Distributing and Tropic Supply for providing gift cards to the apprentices of the year and graduating students. “Not only have these companies supported the apprenticeship program, they are also strong supporters of RACCA in general,” Keane said.

Guest Speaker Dr. Jakub Prokop, Director, Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater Campus, began by congratulating the graduates, then described how he moved through the trades and is currently committed to working behind the scenes to provide the high quality education students deserve.

The Journeyman Award recognizes the outstanding graduate of the 4-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.

2020 5th year completers are Brian Dabney, David Huhn, Luis Miranda, Dimitrios Pantelidis, Ben Rasico, Grant Springer, Steven Van Hoos, Richard Warnell and Robert Wasilewski. David Huhn received special recognition for achieving perfect attendance every year he was in the program.

4th year 2020 graduates are Aaron Adorno, Justin Cyr, Ben Decker, Cody Ray Dixon, Bradlee Dosch, Seth Dujsik, Daniel Harrison, Kevin Lauer, Ray Lollar, James Nimmo, Joel Rodriguez, Devon Rolsten and Eddie Wicker.

2020 Apprentices of the Year for each class are Brett Miller and Kyle Bush (1st year), Kyle Shader and Mark Hyndman (2nd year), Dagner Espinosa and Austin Woodham (3rd year), Ray Lollar, Cody Ray Dixon and Bradlee Dosch (4th year) and Brian Dabney (5th year).

Congratulations to the apprenticeship instructors: Henry Barclay and Keane Bismarck (1st year), Jack Hurley and J.C. Jannarone (2nd year), Jack Carson and Bill Carbley (3rd year), Loren Wunderle and Dominique Le Jeune (4th year) and Wayne Carothers (5th year).

Registration is now open for the 2020/2021 RACCA Apprenticeship program. This successful and very popular program is entering its 24th year of servicing the training needs for Tampa Bay area HVACR Contractors. Special attention to the safety of apprentices and Instructors is being planned in light of Covid-19. Classes are scheduled to begin October 5th and 6th. For more information on the program and costs, please contact Keane Bismarck @ 813-253-9859.

Additional photos are available here and at flhvacinsider.smugmug.com.