Local construction apprentices awarded national scholarships

The Build Your Future scholarships support aspiring craft professionals who will go on to be the future leaders of the construction industry. Thanks to a new partnership this year with Associated Builders and Contractors, Build Your Future and the Trimmer Construction Education Foundation, these scholarships are now open to ABC apprentices across the nation.

This year (the inaugural year), ten deserving individuals were selected from applicants across the country to receive $2,000 to help them pursue their dreams.

Eighty individuals applied and ABC NorCal was honored with not one, but two scholarship recipients: Fabian Cervantes and Mike Weltzin.

Fabian is an electrical apprentice. Mike a carpentry apprentice. Both are more than midway through their training programs and loving their chosen profession.

“I chose to become an electrician because I knew it would allow me to provide for my family and make them proud. But as I have gotten deeper into the trade, I have realized it suits me perfectly. I love the analysis and problem-solving that goes into it,” said Fabian. “You are constantly thinking about how to best approach a task, codes you need to apply, how to ensure your work is safe and of high quality. I am continually learning and gaining knowledge and skills.”

“Carpentry is challenging in many different ways. I enjoy the idea of taking a set of plans and bringing them to life,” said Mike. “I love exceeding my own expectations by thinking outside the box and being creative. Construction involves many elements: designing, building, problem solving, learning, communicating, and managing. I am planning my career in the construction industry so I can apply practical knowledge with my business degree and hands-on construction skills.”

Scholarship applicants had to submit a letter of recommendation from an instructor and submit an essay detailing why they chose a career in construction and why they felt they deserved the scholarship.

Both Fabian and Mike received glowing recommendations from their instructors, as well as, their on-the-job employers, Bergelectric Corp. and Diede Construction respectively.

“These young men are terrific role models for their peers. They are enthusiastic, focused and willing to learn both in the classroom and on the jobsite. They lead by example in safety, skill and positive attitude” said Roy Horton, ABC NorCal Training Director.

To learn more about ABC NorCal’s apprenticeship programs, visit abcnorcal.org/apprenticeship.