The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, Tampa Bay (RACCA) Apprenticeship Program recognized the 2021 Journeyman graduates during a limited-attendance gathering at the Pinellas Technical College Clearwater campus on May 19, 2021. Completers of the fifth-year commercial refrigeration class, apprentices of the year and those with perfect attendance were also recognized. Twenty-four Journeymen graduated from the 4-year Heating and Air Conditioning Installer/Servicer program and there were eight completers of the 5-year Refrigeration Mechanic program this year.

Jim McCann, Pinellas Technical College (PTC) RACCA Apprenticeship Coordinator, began the ceremony by congratulating the graduates. “As a former shop teacher for 28 years, I love the trades and am really proud of what you’ve accomplished. You guys have a great opportunity ahead of you, much bigger than what you would have if you attended college. My boy is working in air conditioning now and I’m proud of him and the decision he’s made. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to following you on your journeys through your careers. Congratulations!”

Graduate Joshua Vicidomini received the 2021 Florida HVAC Insider Outstanding Journeyman Award. 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.

Special Extraordinary Attendance recognition was given to 5th year refrigeration class graduate Ray Lollar for achieving perfect attendance over all five years of enrollment – 260 classes!

4th year 2021 graduates are Brian Bartlett, Shawki Basha, Jamie Bennett, Chris Cunningham, Andriy Dorosh, Dagner Espinosa, Nick Lapinski, Atavius Newton, Victor Paloma, Dylan Pritchett, Bryan Richards, Justin Sevier, Cyrus Tracy, Joshua Vicidomini and Austin Woodham.

2021 5th year refrigeration class graduates are Seth Dujsik, Ray Lollar, Chris Osbourn and Joel Rodriguez.
The Apprenticeship Program instructors are Dominique LeJeune, J.C. Jannarone, Wayne Carothers, Sylvester McCloud, William Carbley, John Hurley, Loren Wunderle, Richard Varna, Jason Saylor, Keane Bismarck and James McCann.

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