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IEC Celebrates Its Largest Graduating Class

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IEC Celebrates Its Largest Graduating Class

By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Marketing and Communications Coordinator/ Todd Hawkins, VP of Membership

IEC hosted its 55th Apprenticeship Graduation on June 21st at the Crowne Plaza in Norcross, Georgia.  With a total of 137 graduates classifying as either 4-year IEC Apprenticeship Program or the Professional Electricians Program (PEP) graduates, not only is this the largest graduating class yet, but a total of 623 family, friends, contractors, partner members and IEC staff were in attendance for this momentous event!

Graduates and guests were welcomed by IEC’s Executive Director, Niel Dawson. Congratulatory and inspiring messages were delivered throughout the ceremony.  Recorded messages from Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner, Rivera Holmes and IEC National President, Troy Corrigan, to the onstage presence of the author of newly passed IEC Bill 180 and President of Southern Electric Company, Mahsa Poorak; who introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, Georgia State Representative of District 99, Matt Reeves.  Mr. Reeves emphasized the importance of the electrical industry and the important work that each graduate completed to become part of it.  Congratulations on doing the important part first!

In this graduating class is another first; a special group that began their IEC journey with IEC Atlanta and Georgia chapters Pre-Apprenticeship Program (PAP).  8 graduates without any experience, first completed the PAP and were hired by IEC contractors who took a chance on them.  On this day, they are the first from the PAP to graduate from the IEC 4- year apprenticeship program. More are expected to follow in their footsteps soon!  IEC Atlanta and Georgia Deputy Director, Jeff Rogers had the honor of recognizing this trailblazing group of graduates.

24 graduates received an Academic Achievement award for maintaining a 90% or higher GPA throughout the program. 5 graduates were presented with the Academic Excellence Award (Top Graduate in each program.)  

Congratulations to the following Top Graduates:

  • Justin Barton, Jordan Electric Co – 4-Year In-Person, Georgia Chapter
    • Nathan Ellington, LMI Systems – PEP Online
    • Miguel Lara Mejia, Wiring Solutions – 4-Year In-Person
    • Richard Medrano Gonzalez, Meer Electrical Contractors – PEP In-Person
    • Nickolas Wallace, Wallace Electric Company – 4-Year Online

IEC recognized a special IEC Instructor, Melissa Slate on receiving the Mike Gunter Achievement Award for her dedication to teaching and mentoring at the IEC.  Great teachers are a key part to making the apprenticeship program successful.

The anticipated announcement of the 2025 Apprentice of the Year recognized Miguel Lara Meija of Wiring Solutions!  Miguel will represent the Atlanta chapter at the National Spark conference in Arizona in September as he competes nationally for the Apprentice of the Year!

Finally, congratulations to all of the graduates who walked across the stage to receive their certificates and earn the title of Electrician in all 50 states from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship and IEC.

Thank you to Milwaukee Tool and DeWalt for providing gifts to all the 2025 graduates!

If you missed this program, or you want to re-live the moment, the video will be posted on IEC’s YouTube account.  Thank you for joining the celebration of the graduating IEC Apprenticeship Class of 2025!

2024 Graduates

113 Electrical Apprentices Graduate as Skilled, Qualified Electrical Journeypersons

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113 Electrical Apprentices Graduate as Skilled, Qualified Electrical Journeypersons

By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator

IEC Atlanta and GA chapters celebrated its 54th Apprenticeship graduation on Saturday, July 27th at the Crowne Plaza in Norcross.  The IEC Class of 2024 encompasses 113 graduates who completed this award-winning program curriculum, on-the-job training and have demonstrated an understanding and solid grasp of what it takes to be a skilled IEC electrical journeyperson.

IEC Atlanta’s Board of Director President, Darren Lodge of Excel Electrical Technologies welcomed a packed house with over 500 guests, IEC staff and graduates in attendance.  A moving “Star-Spangled Banner” performance by IEC Program Quality Coordinator, John Dickerson prepared the audience for the inspirational message from keynote speaker Attorney General, Chris Carr.  The graduates’ families and friends gathered to support and celebrate the class of 2024 and honor those who performed above and beyond expectations.

Congratulations to the class of 2024 and its award recipients;

4th Year Perfect Attendance Award Recipients

  • Mish Bowel Hock, Lewis Electrical
  • Christian Sheber- Andrew Electric Co.

 PEP Perfect Attendance Award Recipients

  • Ronald Belmore- Penco Electrical Contractors
  • Felix Carranza Sr.- PicoVolt
  • Michael Hinesley Jr.- Legacy Electrical Services

Academic Achievement Award Recipients (Maintained an “A” average throughout the program)

  • Robert Abercrombie – DC Power Specialist, LLC
  • Christopher Acker – Electrical Contractor, Inc.
  • Dulce Alvarado – D & L Electric
  • Ronald Belmore – Penco Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Taylor Blun – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Austin Bornhorst – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Samuel Coleman – Alternative Energy Southeast
  • Michael Davis – Electrical Contractor, Inc.
  • Demetrius Hall – Titan Electric Georgia LLC
  • Mish Bowel Hock – Lewis Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Diego Hernandez – R&R Electrical Inc.
  • Michael Hinesley Jr.- Legacy Electrical Services, Inc
  • Oliver Alvarado – D & L Electric
  • Amanda Jenkins – Lin R. Rogers Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Jose Lind – R&R Electrical Inc.
  • Justin Litzenberg – Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc.
  • Da Mares Lopez – Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc.
  • Javon McLester – Relco Electric Co.,Inc.
  • Ryan McMillin – Lin R. Rogers Electrical Contractors, Inc.
  • Tyler Nelson – Electrical Contractor, Inc.
  • Keegan Nolan – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Austin Payne – Pat Murphy Electric, Inc.
  • Alan Rainwater – Crown Electric, Inc.
  • Christopher Randall – Mister Sparky, Inc.
  • Ramon Ta Hada Moke – MetroPower, Inc.
  • Edgar Trejo – Energy Systems Southeast, LLC

Academic Excellence Award Recipients (Highest Overall GPA)

  • Taylor Blun—Crown Electric, Inc. (4-Yr. In Person)
  • Ryan McMillin—Lin R Rogers Electrical Contractors, Inc. (4-Yr Online program)
  • Michael Hinesley Jr.—Legacy Electrical Services, Inc. (PEP)
  • Samuel Coleman—Alternative Energy Southeast (PEP Online)

Our graduates do not succeed on their own.  The support of IEC instructors helps guide them to success.  This is why we honor an outstanding instructor with the Michael Gunter Achievement Award.

  • Gunter Achievement Award- (Instructor who stepped up in a big way) – Mr. Paul Hackett, IEC Instructor

It is a tremendous effort to get our graduates to their success that entails the students hard work, the support of great instructors, the IEC staff, and the friends and families of the apprentices.  The class of 2024 have reached their well-deserved graduation day, and IEC is extremely proud!

Thank you to those that came out the celebrate this great accomplishment and being along for the ride.  See pictures from this event here.  We look forward to doing this again in 2025. 

More pictures can be found at www.LorikayPhotography.com/IECgrad2024 

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IEC Georgia Chapter Celebrates Columbus Graduates

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IEC Georgia Chapter Celebrates Columbus Graduates
By: Todd Hawkins, IEC Atlanta/ GA Associate Executive Director of Workforce Development

IEC Georgia Celebrates the Class of 2021 in Columbus Georgia.  Celebrating the accomplishments of graduates of the Electrical Apprenticeship Program, graduates, family members and contractors gathered on Thursday, January 20. 

Congratulations to Jason Walker with Jordan Electric Co., Inc. for earning the Perfect Attendance for all 4 Years of the program and for earning the Academic Excellence award for having the highest overall grade during his apprenticeship.

 

Congratulations to these graduate, now IEC Electricians:

Name

Employer

Beazley, John Reed

Ritch Electric Co., Inc. (Columbus)

Davis, Joshua Neil

Conaway Electrical Service, Inc. (Columbus)

Edwards, Jonathan Paul

D.P. Jones Electrical (Columbus)

Rodriguez, Jose William

Ritch Electric Co., Inc. (Columbus)

Walker, Jason Webster

Jordan Electric Co., Inc. (Columbus)

 

 

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Congratulations Augusta Georgia Graduates

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Congratulations Augusta Georgia Graduates
On Thursday, November 18, IEC Graduates, Member Contractors, family and guests joined a grand celebration for the Class of 2021.  Commemorating accomplishments, skills and a lifetime career, employees from Barbee Electric, Inc. and Rowell joined IEC Staff to celebrate the graduating class of Augusta Georgia. 

Mr. Brad Barbee, Barbee Electric, provided the Commencement Address stating that the steps to success require passion, hard work, a focus on what matters most and persistence in creating ideas and pushing the limits to be an extraordinary person.  Other attendees commented on how pleased they were to see goals come to reality for the graduates, and a few mentioned their excitement for continuing a great career.

Graduating Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Academic Excellence Award for the highest 4-year grade point average went to Thomas Godbee, Rowell Electric.  The Academic Achievement award for keeping an A-average over the 4-year program went to Phillip Pinchen, Rowell Electric.

Congratulations to the new Electricians in Augusta Georgia, Class of 2021

 

 

 

 

 

Academic Excellence

Pictured – Student, Contractor, Rusty Rowell, Instructor: Gerald Scholtes II.

 

 

 

 

 

Each graduate received a tool from Southwire’s Top Gun package. Congratulations to the Augusta Georgia Class of 2021

Thomas Godbee

Rowell Electric

Frank A Green, Jr.

Rowell Electric

Michael Hubert

Rowell Electric

Johnny Jordan

Barbee Electric, Inc.

James Martin

Rowell Electric

Cody Mathis

Rowell Electric

Phillip Pinchen

Rowell Electric

Gerald Scholtes, III

Rowell Electric

Instructors (4 Years) Gerald Scholtes, II

Rowell Electric

See more pictures

 

 

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IEC Atlanta Celebrates Its Largest Graduating Class In 2021

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IEC Atlanta Celebrates Its Largest Graduating Class In 2021

On July 8th at the Evergreen Marriott in Stone Mountain, IEC Atlanta/GA Chapters hosted over 200 guests in its celebration of 91 graduating apprentices.  In attendance were family, friends, contractors and IEC staff to dining and displaying how so very proud of them we are!

This is IEC’s 51st annual graduation and its largest graduating class yet.  Despite any challenges, electrical journey persons were made and IEC had a huge hand in it!

The event smoothly transitioned from the welcome of the IEC Atlanta Board of Directors President, Steve Askea, President of ASK-Kay Electrical Contractors, the Master of Ceremony delivery of Executive Director Niel Dawson and Associate Executive Director of Workforce, Todd Hawkins, to inspiring guest speaker Janet Martin, President of IEC National; award presenters, sponsors and graduates entering in their caps and gowns to make their momentous tassel turn.  The music performed by Gwen Hughes set a winning atmosphere.  As always it was a spectacular event!  See pictures from this event below.

Congratulations to some of IEC’s outstanding students listed below;

  • Perfect Attendance Award, 90 days of class- Virgilio Mendoza-Vicente, Techno Electric, Inc. (PEP)
  • Community Spirt Award 2021– John Wayne Dickerson II, Jason Bonta Electric, LLC.
  • Academic Achievement Award-4 – Year Program
    • Timothy Jon Martin, Unger Electric,LLC
    • Charles Maulding II, Electrical Services Unlimited, Inc.
  • Academic Achievement Award Professional Electricians Program
  • Amevi Amedaho, Henderson Electric Company, LLC.
  • Jamail Biscaino, Infinity Building Solutions, LLC
  • John Wayne Dickerson II, Jason Bonta Electric, LLC
  • Academic Excellence Award for the Highest Overall 4 year program average
  • Timothy Jon Martin, Unger Electric, LLC
  • PEP Academic Excellence Award- Jamail Biscaino, Infinity Building Solutions, LLC
  • Mike Gunter Achievement Award-Travis Worn, Pat Murphy Electric, Inc.
  • 2021 Apprentice of the Year– Timothy Jon Martin, Unger Electric, LLC.

 

IEC is appreciative of its sponsors for helping to put on a stellar event!  Thank you to Platinum Partner and Apprentice of the Year Sponsor, Federated Insurance.  Event sponsor Harbin Insurance and Milwaukee thank you for your support.  IEC is thankful to all the sponsors that always rise to the occasion.  Click here to view total sponsor list.

Another school year is in the books and now we turn to the start of another opportunity for apprentices to join the ranks of the electrical industry.  Thank you for trusting IEC with your electrical future, it’s going to be great!  We hope to see you next year!

Click to see more pictures and order here.

 

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IEC Atlanta’s 2021 Apprentice of the Year is Timothy Jon Martin of Unger Electric, LLC

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IEC Atlanta’s 2021 Apprentice of the Year is Timothy Jon Martin of Unger Electric, LLC

Congratulations Timothy Jon Martin

Congratulation to Timothy Jon Martin of Unger Electric, LLC; the 2021 IEC Atlanta Chapters Apprentice of the Year! 

Timothy competed with 4th year apprentices for the opportunity to be awarded at the local level.  The competition consists of two events:  The wire-off and a written exam which covers material from all four years of study.  Timothy has the highest number of total points and is awarded the highly coveted “Apprentice of the Year” award for the Atlanta Chapter IEC.  As the winner of the Apprentice of the Year competition he wins a trip for 2 and $500 spending money for the IEC National Convention in New Orleans. LA, October 28-30, where he will represent the Atlanta Chapter and compete in the National Apprentice of the Year competition.

Andrew Howard of Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc. came in second place and will fulfill the duties should Timothy be unable to do so.  Both Timothy and Andrew have earned their CPE credentials, a nationally recognized credential where individuals have demonstrated skills, proficiency and knowledge regarding the electrical field.

Thank you to all the contestants that worked for an opportunity to represent this chapter. We appreciate your hard work. 

Contestants:  
Amevi Amedaho, Henderson Electric Company, LLC     
Garrett L. Bitts, MetroPower, Inc.    
Ricky J. Cotton, Data Power    
Andrew Howard, Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc.    
Charles Maulding II, Electrical Services Unlimited, LLC    
Romuald Pinheiro, Excel Electrical Technologies, Inc.

Thank you Platinum Partner member and Apprentice of the Year Event Sponsor, Federated Insurance!

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IEC Atlanta/GA 50th Apprenticeship Graduation Mission Accomplished

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IEC Atlanta/Georgia 50th Apprenticeship Graduation…Mission Accomplished


By: Marie Thornton, IEC Atlanta/ GA Membership and Marketing Coordinator

IEC did it!  IEC Atlanta / Georgia Chapter gave its graduates a grand night to remember.  IEC celebrated the accomplishments of 78 graduates.  Family members, contractors, graduates and guests were brought together and kept apart at the Evergreen Marriott hotel in Stone Mountain, Georgia.  A fabulous night of social distancing and celebration!  How does that happen with 200 guests you ask?  With 2 separate ballrooms, a digital thermometer, masks , space and a master plan.  It was a challenge, but IEC’s Executive Director and staff saw it through to make certain the Class of 2020 received a proper send off.

The event started at 6:00pm with a welcome form the Evergreen ballroom, from IEC’s Atlanta Board President, Bob Harmon of Harmon Electric while simultaneously IEC Executive Director Niel Dawson delivered his welcome in the Stone Mountain room.  This event was also livestreamed on IEC Atlanta/Georgia’s YouTube channel for those friends and family members who were unable to attend. Since this is the 50th annual graduation, additional guest speakers were brought in to make it extra special.  Graduates received heartwarming messages from keynote speaker Ms. Candy Branhm, CEO if Branhm Electric, Inc. and IEC National Board President,  Bill Bledsoe, CEO of Wisco Pen Electric, and Betsy Rich-Reed, President of Ritch Electric.  Each room enjoyed dinner, entertainment by keyboard and vocalist Gwen Hughes and awarding the top performing graduates during their time with IEC.

Awards given throughout the evening are as follows;

  • Perfect attendance – Edgar Davila of MG Electric and Justin Schader of Henderson Electric
  • 2020 Community Spirit Award – Edgar Davila of MG Electric
  • Extra Mile Award- Mr. Nytwan Fitch, 1st, 3rd, 4th year and PEP Instructor
  • Mike Gunter Achievement Award- 1st and 2nd year instructor Keith Haskell of Sole Source Electrical Contractors

Congratulations to the 2020 IEC award winners.  IEC is so very proud of them all.

The winner of the IEC Atlanta Chapter Apprentice of the Year Award was also announced during this spectacular night.  A special congratulation to Mr. Bentley Butler on winning IEC’s title of Apprentice of the Year!  Mr. Butler will represent us nationally in the Apprentice of the Year competition taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Thank you to Federated Insurance and Milwaukee Tool for sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year Contest!

Thank you to everyone that came out to join the celebration and those of you that supported the graduates via YouTube livestreaming.  IEC appreciates the support!  Thank you to all the IEC graduates and congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment.  IEC is proud to celebrate you!

Take a moment to view pictures from this event here.  We look forward to next year’s celebration!

 

See pictures below…

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