Harford County Electrical Contractors Association Apprenticeship Program Hosts 44th Annual Graduation

The Harford County Electrical Apprenticeship (HCECA) Program celebrated its 44th annual graduation on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Amoss Center at Harford Technical High School. The ceremony honored 83 graduates for their hard work, commitment, and successful completion of the program.

Rod Bourn, Owner of Down Set Lead, served as master of ceremonies. Opening remarks were made by JeanMarie Makres, Executive Director of HCECA, and Ronald Blaney, HCECA Board President. Guest speaker Dr. Diane Ryan, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Harford Community College, highlighted the perseverance of the graduates, who worked full-time while attending evening classes twice a week and recognized the importance of support of their families, friends, and employers. She also acknowledged the value of their training and the tremendous need for skilled electricians.

Class valedictorian Jeremy Schonberger addressed his fellow graduates, reflecting on the dedication required over the past four years and the bright future that lies ahead for them. The evening’s keynote speaker, Patrick Newton, Vice President of Commercial Construction at Benfield Electric and a proud 1992 alumnus of HCECA, shared insights from his own successful career. His story underscored the value of apprenticeship, hands-on experience, safety, and lifelong learning in the electrical trade.

The apprenticeship school, which is located at Harford Community College’s Edgewood Hall, has had 2,223 graduates since its first graduating class in 1987 and anticipates enrolling over 125 new apprentices for the fall of 2025.

The Harford County Electrical Contractors Association, originally established in 1941, underwent a restructuring to include the apprenticeship program in 1978. In the years that followed, it grew to become one of the largest electrical apprenticeship programs in Maryland. By organizing its members, collaborating with local and state agencies, engaging educational consultants, and establishing a lasting partnership with Harford Community College, the Association built a strong foundation for the program’s continued growth and success.

Through this partnership, graduates of HCECA are eligible to earn up to 21 college credits toward an Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) degree in Technical/Professional Studies, or up to 19 credits toward an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in General Studies.

As a registered apprenticeship program, HCECA includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, in compliance with state and federal requirements. Classes run from September through April each year, providing the required 144 hours of related classroom instruction annually. Over the course of the 4-year program, apprentices complete a total of 576 classroom hours focused on the residential, commercial, and industrial industries, as well as the National Electrical Code.

In addition to classroom learning, apprentices must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the guidance of a master electrician at one of the Association’s member electrical contractors. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a State of Maryland Certificate of Completion, officially recognizing them as qualified journeyperson electricians.

The 83 HCECA graduates of 2025 are William R. Almsteadt, Christopher A. Armour, Eric D. Ashton, Jacob E. Baker, Nicholas T. Barr, Brandon C. Beckmeyer, Troy D. Boggs, Bradley M. Bonham, Cameron M. Burns, Chance C. Cadle, Parker B. Clark, Lhester M. Claudio, Joseph J. Collins, Brandan W. Cook, Steven L. Davis, Charles T. Dearing III, Michael V.  Dowdy, Duncan S. DuRette, Bryden M. Eckels, Robert J. Elliott, Tyson J. Fava, Shawn M. Fifer, Jordan A. Flagler, Woodrow L. Forman, Aleah N. Greene, Jonathan P. Harcarik, Joseph L. Hood, William T. Humphrey, Joshua L. Icenrode, Jeremy M. Jewell, Brandon C. Jones, Kevin T. Kaiser, Nathan R. Karcher, Dustin B. Ketelhut, Jack R. Kidd, Max F. Krouse, Richard L. Lee, Melvin I. Lemus Medrano, Ryan C. Lesniewski, Nathan P. Leubecker, Gavin Li, Ian T. Liegey, Christopher D. Long, Joshua D. Lord, James A. Martin III, Dmitry S. Masyuk, David P. Moore, Brody P. Newton, Dion D. Parker, Ryan D. Price, Michael R. Rando, Braden M. Reed, Chase T. Reeves, Ricardo R. Reid, Jeffrey S. Rhoten, Zachary A. Riggle, Zane H. Rutt, Brady L. Sakowski, William E. Salmeron, Samuel L. Santome, Scott M. Scheeler, Brandon E. Schepers, Jeremy M. Schonberger, Jeffrey K. Sefa Jr, Matthew C. Skazis, Jeffery B. Smith, Jason D. Stackhouse, Brandon D. Sturla, Dasean L. Taylor, Michael P. Tomko, Ethan Z. Tucker, Tremayne A. Washington, Richard L. Watkins Jr, Nathan T. Weller, Gavin P. Weyant, Matthew J. White, Bradley A. White, Austin M. Whitehurst, Michael R. Will, Zachary M. Williams, Christopher S. Wolf, Colin T. Wolff and Cameron C. Wood.

The six graduates with the highest GPA recognized for their academic achievement (from 1st through 6th place by GPA) are Jeremy M. Schonberger (97.58), Chance C. Cadle (97.01), Kevin T. Kaiser (96.95), Ricardo R. Reid (96.91, tied for 4^th), Michael P. Tomko (96.91, tied for 4^th), and Robert J. Elliott (96.88). Also recognized for perfect attendance throughout all four years of their apprenticeship were Jeffrey S. Rhoten, Jason D. Stackhouse, and Richard L. Watkins Jr. The Outstanding Student Award, sponsored by the Electrical Contractors Association of Baltimore County and awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding dedication, enthusiasm and engagement, was presented to the following 4th year apprentices: Bradley A. White, Richard L. Watkins Jr, David P. Moore; and Aleah N. Greene.