Harford County Electrical Contractors Association Apprenticeship Program Hosts 45th Annual Graduation

HCECA Class of 2026 Graduates. Photo Credit: Ujen Jonchhe, Harford Community College

The Harford County Electrical Contractors Association (HCECA) Apprenticeship Program celebrated its 45th Annual Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Amoss Center at Harford Technical High School. The ceremony honored 89 graduates for their hard work, dedication, and successful completion of the apprenticeship 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 Jason Sieracki, Chair of the HCECA Board of Directors.

Guest speaker Dr. Michele Campagna, Vice President for Student Success at Harford Community College, highlighted the perseverance of the graduates, who worked full-time while attending evening classes twice a week. She also recognized the invaluable support provided by their families, friends, and employers. Dr. Campagna emphasized the significance of their training and the growing demand for skilled electricians in today's workforce.

Chris MacLarion, Director of the Office of Apprenticeship within the Maryland Department of Labor's Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, also addressed the graduates, acknowledging their accomplishments and the increasing need for skilled trades professionals throughout the state.

The evening's keynote speaker, Steve Sendldorfer, Director of Operations for the Residential Department at JPS Electrical Services, reflected on his own experience as an apprentice and a master electrician. He expressed his appreciation for the commitment and hard work required to complete the four-year apprenticeship program and the benefits and rewards of the career that followed.

Located in Edgewood Hall on the campus of Harford Community College, the apprenticeship school has graduated 2,312 apprentices since its first graduating class in 1982 and anticipates enrolling more than 125 new apprentices for the 2026-2027 school year.

Originally established in 1941, the Harford County Electrical Contractors Association was restructured in 1977 to include the apprenticeship program. Over the years, it has grown into one of Maryland's largest electrical apprenticeship programs. Through the collective efforts of its members, collaboration with local and state agencies, engagement of educational consultants, and a longstanding partnership with Harford Community College, the Association has built a strong foundation for continued growth and success.

As a result of the partnership with HCC, HCECA graduates 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 combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in compliance with state and federal apprenticeship requirements. Classes are held from September through April and provide the required 144 hours of related classroom instruction each year. Throughout the four-year program, apprentices complete a total of 576 classroom hours covering residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems, as well as the National Electrical Code.

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

The 89 HCECA graduates of 2026 are:

Nicholas R. Bailey, Justin A. Baldinger, Joshua A. Barreda, Andrew P. Bednarik, Johnathan L. Biskup, Aiden M. Bongiovanni, Aaron T. Bray, Christopher W. Brezna, Nicholas Brown, Ryan D. Brunson, Logan J. Carberry, Luke C. Cliffe, Jackson M. Cusic, Christopher A. Davis, Collin G. Dawson, Peter J. DeNardi, Jared E. Farsace, Robert S. Feathers, Zachary J. Fenlock, Theodore H. Fieffer, Jayk S. French, Joshua J. Gasior, Tye J. Gibson, Jacob A. Grout, Nathaniel H. Gunter, Timothy W. Hall, Marlin W. Harris Jr., Ethan H. Harrod, Hannah E. Hauf, Tyler P. Heaps, Nathaniel G. Heard, Nathan Z. Heinlein, Jeffrey A. Hoffer, Benjamin P. Hudson, Bradley M. Keech, Jackson T. Klarman, Alexander D. Klein, Kyriakos S. Koumoudis, Ian D. Lamp, David J. Lantz, Riley T. Laudet, Adam M. Lee, Julian G. Leon, Luc A. LePore, Pierce E. Lloyd, David Lopez Penate, Eric R. Martin, Michael F. Marzullo, Nathan J. McElwain, Nicholas M. McKeen, Matthew P. Mordente, Brady J. Morgan, Blake S. Moss, Matthew A. Mumford, Roscoe Nelson Jr., Emanuel E. Nemer, Christian J. Otto, Michael D. Otwell, Evan M. Pague, Curtis Q. Rasnake, Kaleel K. Redd, Samuel B. Reid, Justin T. Rightmyer, Justin E. Rios, Bryce A. Roberts, Joshua C. Robinson, Connor T. Rowley, Stephen A. Russell, Steven J. Rutherford Jr., Michael C. Saffran Jr., Cody M. Seibel, Brian G. Shaffer Jr., David A. Sheeks, Justin C. Shifler, Victoria M. St. Pierre, Christopher C. Stephens, Liam K. Stewart, Austin L. Stilling, Gavin O. Thompson, Harrison E. Trimble, Edwin A. Vargas, Jason A. Vogt, Nicholas Watson, Charles Weyer III, Reginald A. Wright, Jackson C. Young, Caden O. Zapf, Ehren M. Zetterman, and Kevin J. Zickefoose.

Recognized for outstanding academic achievement as the five graduates with the highest grade-point averages were Matthew P. Mordente (98.19), Joshua C. Robinson (97.88), Austin L. Stilling (97.86), Luke C. Cliffe (97.50), and Eric R. Martin (97.43).

The following graduates were also recognized for maintaining perfect attendance throughout all four years of their apprenticeship (in alphabetical order): Nicholas Brown, Jackson T. Klarman, Matthew P. Mordente, and Austin L. Stilling.

The Outstanding Student Award, sponsored by the Maryland Electrical Contractors and Inspectors Association and presented to students who demonstrate exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and engagement, was awarded to fourth-year apprentices Pierce E. Lloyd, Timothy W. Hall, Austin L. Stilling, and Eric R. Martin.

For more information about the Harford County Electrical Contractors Association Apprenticeship Program, visit hcecamd.org, email hceca@harford.edu, or call 443-412-2800.