May 26, 2004

Selland College Awards Apprentice Graduation Certificates

The Treasure Valley construction and trades industries welcomed 128 new electricians, plumbers, sheet metal technicians and brick/stone masons into high-skilled construction careers as they graduated from the Selland College of Applied Technology Center for Workforce Training apprenticeship programs on May 12. Five students enrolled in the Selland College, as well as the apprenticeship programs, earned their associate of applied science degrees along with their certificates. They include Charles E. Bishop, Jeffrey R. Jayo, Gary A. Kukal, Steven McKinley and Vance Turbeville. “There has never been a better time to enter these professions,” said Stan Brings, center director. “By 2012 the U.S. Department of Labor expects a nationwide shortage of at least 10 million skilled workers due to the pending retirements of many trades workers (whose average age is 57). The pay and benefits in these fields are excellent.” Larry Barnhardt, dean of the Selland College, said the apprenticeship programs allow students to not only complete their program of study, but also earn associate and/or a bachelor’s degree. “Apprenticeships are unique ‘learn as you earn’ opportunities,” he said. Students enrolled in the program attend evening classes at Boise State to study the theory of the trade and then practice what they have learned at work the very next day, in their full-time, paid on-the-job training programs. Each student is supervised at work by a seasoned journeyman with years of experience in the field. In addition to the graduate certificates presented at the May 12 ceremony, Jim Webb of Boise Valley Electric was named instructor of the year. Top plumbing student awards were presented to Ethan Crowder and Michael Harris. Stan Smith and Jeff Jardine received top electrical students of the year. Additional awards were donated by the Treasure Valley Master Plumbers Association, the sheet metal apprenticeship advisory committee, masonry apprenticeship advisory committee, the Independent Electrical Contractors, Platt Electric and Power Electric. For more information about the construction/trades and apprenticeship programs, contact the Center for Workforce Training at Boise State at 426-1974 or visit  workforcetraining.boisestate.edu -30- Contact Kellie Branson Selland College of Applied Technology 426-1115 kbranson@boisestate.edu Media Contact Sherry Squires Boise State communications and marketing 426-1563 ssquires@boisestate.edu