73 Graduates from the Class of 2015 IECRM Electrical Apprentice Program

WESTMINSTER, Colo. - July 1, 2015 - PRLog -- On Saturday, June 6th, 73 electricians graduated from the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) (www.iecrm.org) Four-Year Electrical Apprentice Program in a special graduation ceremony at the Westin in Westminster, Colorado. The proud audience of over 400 spectators included family members, friends, spouses, instructors, employers, and staff. The graduation ceremony, awards, and student gifts were generously sponsored by Crescent Electrical Supply Co. (www.cesco.com), IDEAL Industries (www.idealindustries.com), and Milwaukee Tool (www.milwaukeetool.com).

Most IECRM students work full-time as electrician’s apprentices and participate in the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (OA/BAT) program, which allows them to grow their salaries to commensurate with the growth of their skills during their education. Upon completion of the education program, IECRM graduates have gained the required experience to qualify for mid-level positions which includes higher pay rates and better benefits. IECRM alumni include: Business Owners, Journeyman, Master Electricians, State Electrical Inspectors, Project Managers, C-Level Executives, IECRM College Instructors, and many more accomplished skilled tradesmen.

“Fellow graduates, look at everything we have accomplished. Four years of classes and four or more years of job related experience improving our craft and knowledge in the electrical field,” said Kevin McEntee, during his Salutatorian speech. “As most of us have either already taken our Journeyman’s license, or are about to take it, remember to pay it forward and teach the new apprentices to keep this field safe and knowledgeable. With that being said, congratulations to all of you and I wish you the best of luck.”

The Keynote Speaker at the graduation ceremony was Paul Bledsoe of Legrand, an industry veteran of 38 years. “In my job, I see lots of apprenticeship and continuing education programs in place all around the country. IECRM has put together such a great vocational education program that it has become the envy of those around the country,” said Paul Bledsoe.

During the ceremony, several graduates and underclassmen were awarded for achieving high academic honors, perfect attendance, competing in the 2015 IECRM Wire-Off Competition, skills challenges, and other achievements. Every graduate received a 10-piece IDEAL Industries toolkit and a drill kit and tape measure from Milwaukee Tool.

Registration for the next session of the Four-Year Electrical Apprentice Program opens on June 22, 2015, followed by an Open House and Job Fair on June 24th. Sign up to attend the job fair at  http://www.iecrm.org/events or visit www.iecrm.org for more information about the Four-Year Electrical Apprentice Program.

About Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM)

Since 1981, the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) has been the leading electrical and renewable energy contractor association in Colorado. Representing over 200 member companies responsible for $2B annually, and educating over 1,000 electrical apprentices and licensed electricians annually, IECRM is dedicated to educating, promoting, and advancing the electrical industry.

IECRM, located in Denver, Colorado, is a chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), a national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors.