Forty-four adult students have graduated from the apprentice program of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools.
In a graduation ceremony held May 15 in the auditorium on the MCVTS East Brunswick campus, 23 electricians, including 13 members of Local 456 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and 21 plumbers were awarded certificates of completion of technical instruction.
Graduates complete between 600 and 900 hours of classroom instruction and at least 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job paid training over a four- or five-year period, according to information provided by the school. They will have credentials through the federal Department of Labor that are recognized in all 50 states.
MCVTS Board of Education President Eugene J. Mullen III of Metuchen received the Albert Hudanish Leadership Award, presented annually to recognize a leader of business and industry, labor, government or education who has made a significant contribution to apprenticeship. Mullen joined the Board of Education in 1997 and was vice president for 10 years before succeeding John F. Bicsko Jr. as president last year, according to the statement.
Jerry Norris of Yardley, Pennsylvania, an electrician with IBEW Local 456, was recognized as class representative. Norris, Matthew Bobev of Somerset, Ryan Murray of Piscataway and Brian Fosbre of Dunellen were presented with white satin stoles and certificates of membership in the National Technical Honor Society.
Norris, Joseph Dzeidzic of Brick, Joseph Krypel of Helmetta, Kevin Lynch of Whitehouse Station, and Raymond Noebels of New Brunswick, all electricians with Local 456, were recognized for perfect attendance.
The Joint Apprentice Training Committee of Local 456, based in North Brunswick, presented the Edward J. Fofrich Memorial Award to Peter Ortiz of Parlin for practicing the principles of labor unions by helping classmates in school and co‑workers on the job.
The graduates also recognized fellow apprentice Steven Swider of Old Bridge, who passed away last year.