Apprenticeship graduation
January 31, 2023
The UVA Apprenticeship Program celebrated the graduation of 11 apprentices
The UVA Apprenticeship Program celebrated the graduation of 11 employees during a ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 26.
“Congratulations to all of the 2022 graduates and to all of Facilities Management for operating a program like this and the vision to create it,” UVA Senior Vice President for Operations and State Government Relations Colette Sheehy said during the ceremony. The program, which was founded in 1982, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The graduating Class of 2022 included the following individuals:
- Electrical: Brittany Collier, Cameron Sellers and Jalisa Stinnie.
- HVAC: Trevor Herring, Benjamin Melugin, James Simmons, James “Matthew” Taylor, Jonathon Taylor and Rene Teran Vazquez.
- Plumbing: Zouzek Abdalhusain and Tim Simonin.
Electrical graduates Brittany Collier and Jalisa Stinnie are the 16th and 17th women to graduate from the program, Sheehy noted in her speech. In addition, Stinnie is the first woman of color to graduate from the electrical apprenticeship in the program's history.
“The apprenticeship program gave me the opportunity to start a new career. I learn something new every day. I get to do something that not everybody can do,” Stinnie shared in written remarks included in the event program.
In addition to Sheehy, speakers included Utilities Supervisor and 2019 Apprenticeship graduate Marcus Klaton and Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Gary Pan, who shared a recorded video message.
“The [apprenticeship program] model is proven to provide highly-skilled workers to meet the demands of employers in the global economy,” Pan said in the video. “Your commitment to your apprenticeship program and learning your trade is truly deserving of recognition.”
See photos from the Apprenticeship graduation and the event's program for remarks shared by each graduate.
In the news
- UVA Today – At Graduation Ceremony, 11 Tradespeople Rise From the Ranks of Apprentices
- The Daily Progress (subscription may be required) – UVA facilities apprentices graduate
- CBS19 News – UVA apprenticeship program celebrates 2022 graduation
- NBC29 – UVA apprenticeship program honors 2022 graduates
Jane Centofante
Communications senior generalist
UVA Facilities Management
(434) 982-5846
janecentofante@virginia.edu