Ace Electric held their annual Ace University graduation at Quail Branch Lodge in Lake Park, Georgia. The event included dinner, recognition of Apprentice and Foreman Training program completion, as well as the top division apprentices. Apprentice winners include Ivan Romo from Statesboro, Christian Maldonado from Valdosta, Mackenzie Glass from Macon, Vincent Calhoun from Atlanta, Jose Rueda Alcocer from Jackson, Tennessee, and Luis Huerta from Ace Engineering & Fabrication. Graduates were presented with certificates, an Ace apprentice graduate coin, and branded company jacket and bag. Certificate presenters included Greg Terry, Ace University Training Manager, and Tommy Stalvey, President of Field Operations.
Ace University serves Ace Electric’s employees in workforce development, offering many educational programs to enhance skills in the electrical trade, emphasize the importance of jobsite safety, and build future leaders. Ace University’s Training Manager, Greg Terry, says, “Our graduation program showcases the commitment that Ace Electric has to fulfill our mission to Identify, Hire, Train and Retain the Very Best People. I am so proud of our 2023 graduates for taking advantage of the educational opportunities offered through Ace University to meet their career goals."
Ace’s apprenticeship program combines technical instruction and hands-on training to produce certified Journeyman Electricians. The program requires the students to complete 624 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, typically taking four years to complete. Tuition is free to Ace employees and the students are reimbursed for their textbooks at the completion of the program. There are 145 apprentice enrollments for 2024, which is up seven percent from 2023, and Ace University staff anticipate the number of apprentice graduates to increase 62% by 2025.
Forman Training focuses on building leaders to run a safe and productive work site. It is designed to build abilities and improve leadership skills, offering opportunities to gain career advancement. Foreman training involves both in person and online learning to meet the needs of employees located in multiple areas. Enrollment for this program has increased 65% over the last year with 14 graduating in 2023 and 40 enrolled for 2024.