53 Graduate From SF Apprenticeship Program

In the final graduation celebration of the Spring semester, 53 students in the Santa Fe College Apprenticeship Program, walked across the stage May 14, 2026, at the Sasser Fine Arts Hall in recognition of their successful completion of the program.

The program works in partnership with the Builder’s Association of North Central Florida (BANCF). Students work full-time for an area employer, while attending class two nights a week on the Northwest Campus. The program enrolls more than 300 students a year.

The students earn a certificate that can be applied to an associate degree. In addition, 33 electrical and plumbing apprentices earned their Journeyman’s license. The programs had a 98 percent pass rate on the exam.

“Every apprentice here tonight has put in years of hard work, long days on the job and nights in the classroom to reach this moment. Great job. You are the future of the industry,” speaker David Hilman, BANCF President told the graduates and audience. BANCF has partnered with the college since 2007.

Apprentices work in Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical and Building Maintenance.

“This program represents our commitment to training skilled professionals, supporting our trade contractors and building the next generation of our industry,” he said.

Graduates also heard from Fred Lesperance, Apprenticeship Council chair and BANCF past president, who said “You did it. Every early morning, every long shift, every night you went to class or sat down to study when your body was telling you to quit, that’s all stacked up behind you now and you brought it to this stage, be proud of that.”

He noted how special the program was, a rare combination of practical experience and classroom training.

He also celebrated the friends and families for their support of encouragement of the graduates as they worked long days and spent evenings in class. “This win belongs to you as well.”

Last night’s guest speaker, Dr. Nate Southerland, Santa Fe College Provost, walked to the stage in full academic regalia as his impressive academic background and credentials were read in the introduction.

Once there – to laughter and applause – he removed the robe revealing coveralls and a high-visibility shirt – topped by hisCaterpillar ballcap, a nod to his family’s background as plumbers and homebuilders – and a tribute to the graduates in front of him.

He shared stories of his family and the lessons he learned from them, including the importance hard work, willingness to learn, and paying attention to what’s most important,” such as a family and where you spend your time.

“Look for what’s there in your life, not what’s not there,” he said. “It’s very easy to get kind of jaded and bitter if you are focusing on what you don’t have. … Focus on what you do have. Not only will that lift you, it will lift the people around you.”

Six of the graduates were recognized with an “Outstanding Apprenticeship Award:” Hayden Hudleston and Evan Ziegler (Electrical), Daniel Wishner (HVAC), Austin DeGraff (Plumbing), and Antrell Daniels and Abram Jerkins (Building Maintenance.)