Pelican Chapter to honor 155 Baton Rouge Training Center Graduates

BATON ROUGE – The Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. today announced that 155 students will be graduating from its Baton Rouge Training Center this Thursday after completing craft training programs in electrical, heavy equipment, millwright, mobile crane, instrumentation, pipefitting, project supervision, site safety and welding.
 
“ABC Pelican educates our craft students so that they become a meaningful addition to the skilled workforce, and these graduates are on a pathway towards a long-term career,” said David Helveston, President and CEO of the Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. “I applaud the persistence, work and long hours that these graduates have devoted to developing an invaluable skill set.”
 
Sharon M. Ramsey, 62, is graduating in instrumentation. The New Orleans native traveled 120 miles each day, two days a week, after work, for the past three semesters to complete her education at ABC Pelican. Sharon, who was sponsored by Jacobs Field Services, said she enjoyed the education, friendships formed, challenges encountered and whole atmosphere at the training center.
 
Prior to ABC, Sharon worked in vocations such as nursing and accounting. After Hurricane Katrina, Sharon volunteered with People Building Communities to help rebuild her hometown. Through her volunteer efforts, Sharon joined ABC, and because one of her goals is to help others “level up” through continued education, she jumped on the opportunity to learn a new skill set. While she is “not done yet,” Sharon considers herself part of the construction industry and a role model for women in the field.
 
“I tell them don’t be intimidated,” Ramsey said. “If this was available when I was younger, I would have taken this route” because “this industry is so big right now.”
 
Alvin Allen, 32, just completed two years of our pipefitting program, and will be representing ABC Pelican at the ABC National Craft Competition this Spring. The St. Francisville native became a student after he learned his employer, Jacobs Field Services, would sponsor him. “I like to build things and pipefitting sparked my interest,” Alvin said.
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The instructors taught Alvin how to better himself as an employee; he commented that they “taught me how to perfect my fabricating skills. In the field, you don’t have the time to perfect those skills.”
 
Alvin’s days were long because he attended night classes after a full day of work, but he said the education was worth the sacrifice. “I did it and I didn’t give up,” he said.
 
Graduation details:
What: ABC Pelican Baton Rouge Training Center Fall Semester 2018 Graduation Ceremony         
Who: Craft workers who have completed course work for their respective craft this past fall. Business and construction industry leaders will also be in attendance.          
When: Thursday, January 25, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: L’Auberge Baton Rouge (777 L’Auberge Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70820)
*Media registration: Contact Erika Walter at ewalter@abcpelican.com or 225-448-3348*
 
The Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) was incorporated in 1980 and covers 52 parishes in Louisiana. It is a diverse, non-profit, trade association of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and industry professionals who have joined together to advance the construction industry by promoting and protecting the Merit Shop Philosophy and the principles of the free enterprise system.