On May 24, 2018, 58 ABC Keystone apprentices will graduate and continue their paths to success. The training they have received will help to provide them with the opportunity to achieve the American Dream through a career in construction. These skilled tradespeople will go on to build our communities, and we commend them for their hard work and dedication to the industry.
Meet the graduates and celebrate their achievements at the 2018 Apprenticeship Graduation & Craft Professionals of the Year Awards Presented by Warfel Construction Company, 5/24.
Check back for additional blog postings to hear from more of our 2018 Graduates!
Read “Meet the Graduates – Part 1” Read “Meet the Graduates – Part 3”
Shawn Ash, Frey Lutz Corp.
Trade: Sheet metal
Hometown: Wrightsville
What led you to your craft?
Good pay and getting to work with my hands
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
Problem solving
What advice do you have for future apprentices?
Give it your all.
Joseph Coates, Dolan Construction Inc.
Trade: Carpentry
Hometown: Schuylkill Haven
What led you to your craft?
I loved working with my hands, and I was always handy.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
The ability to be able to build anything
What advice do you have for future apprentices?
Just stay with it. Four years seem like a lot, but it goes by quickly.
Nathan Ellenberger, Haller Enterprises, Inc.
Trade: Electrical
Hometown: Mount Joy
What led you to your craft?
The gold collar career night at the farm and home center; then job shadowing
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
The variety and hands on work
What advice do you have for future apprentices?
Ask questions and apply yourself to your trade and classroom studies.
Jonathan Godinez, Benchmark Construction Company Inc.
Trade: Carpentry
Hometown: Lancaster
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
Working with my hands
What advice do you have for future apprentices?
Work hard, sell yourself, make noise
David Mummaw, Frey Lutz Corp.
Trade: Plumbing
Hometown: Columbia
What led you to your craft?
I took a home building course in high school. There was a project focused on plumbing. It felt very natural, and I enjoyed it.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
My favorite part is definitely the relationships you build with other guys on the job. Its a brotherhood.
What advice do you have for future apprentices?
I would tell them that they are making a great decision. Trades will always be needed, from now till the day we are no longer here. I would tell them to work hard, be prepared, listen and learn – and, most of all, enjoy it!
Austin Musser, Warfel Construction Company
Trade: Carpentry
Hometown: Marietta
What led you to your craft?
My father
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
The options you have and what you get to build
What advice do you have for future apprentices?
Hard work will get you to where you want to be.
Alex Tomassetti , Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
Trade: Carpentry
Hometown: Philadelphia
What led you to your craft?
My interest in carpentry was directly influenced by my father. He is a tradesman as well – an electrician. I feel as if his influence has helped me gain a better understanding of all trades as I grew into the man I am today.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?
I can imagine and/or see the project before I build. If an idea comes about; I can build it! I feel as if my imagination contributes to my success as a carpenter. I can use my ideas and knowledge day-to-day and create a product that is my own. At the end of the day, I am proud of my hard work and truly love what I do.
What advice do you have for future apprentices?
An apprenticeship is great for anyone seeking to learn a trade! The knowledge gained will only better you as a person. The ability to build, to wire, run pipe, duct, etc. are not easy tasks that you can just learn at home reading a book. An apprenticeship will give you the physical experience and the on-the- job training needed to get started in a trade. If you choose to become an apprentice, make sure you show up early to work every day, ask as many questions as possible, and there is no such thing as a “dumb question.” Make yourself reliable and dependable! Keep a great attitude and speak up. Today’s industry is in need of leadership. This can be a great doorway for you to let your voice be heard and the beginning of an excellent career that will only progress.
Check back for additional blog postings to hear from more of our 2018 Graduates! Read “Part 1” Read “Part 3”
Register for 2018 Apprenticeship Graduation & Craft Professionals of the Year Awards Presented by Warfel Construction Company, 5/24.
