The Builders Association of North Central Florida (BANCF) celebrated the graduation of 53 apprentices across five skilled trades at the 2025 Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony on May 1.

The five trades included electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry and building maintenance as the graduates made up the largest class in the program’s history.  The milestone highlighted the program’s growth and the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in North Central Florida.

“Our apprentices worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and their success directly strengthens our local construction industry,” said Sara Emmanuel, Executive Officer of BANCF, in a press release. “They’ve balanced work and education, and this graduation is a recognition of their dedication, growth, and the value they bring to their employers and our community every day.”

Over 550 guests at Santa Fe College’s Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall, including family members, industry professionals and community leaders, attended the ceremony. The evening featured a keynote address from Charles Perry Partners Vice President Bryan Harrington, a longtime advocate for workforce development in the region.

“As an employer and as BANCF President, I’ve seen firsthand the value these apprentices bring to the job site,” said BANCF President Fred Lesperance, who employs apprentices in the program, in a press release. “Their skills, work ethics, and drive are exactly what our industry needs. This program is a game-changer for businesses and for the individuals who go through it.”

Several apprentices were recognized with Outstanding Apprentice Awards, honoring exceptional leadership, performance and dedication in their respective trades:

• Most Outstanding Electrical Apprentices: Connor Goodson and Aaron Fowler
• Most Outstanding Carpentry Apprentices: Uzias Santiago and Jack Martin
• Outstanding Building Maintenance Apprentice: Dan Mojer
• Outstanding Plumbing Apprentice: Albert Rodriguez
• Outstanding HVAC Apprentice: Nicholas Marshall

Three additional apprentices were also commended for achieving perfect attendance throughout the entire program:

• Jack Martin
• Del Baldwin
• Uzias Santiago

The BANCF Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with Santa Fe College and local employers, trains more than 300 apprentices annually. The program, which focuses on hands-on learning, career readiness and classroom instruction, continues to serve as a statewide model for effective workforce development in the construction industry.