May 4, 2009... Electrical construction apprentices displayed their skills in installing electrical components and circuitry at an Electricians Fair held on Trident Technical College’s Main Campus. Co-sponsored by Trident Technical College, the Charleston Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) and the Carolinas Association of General Contractors (CAGC), the competition allowed first-, second-, third- and fourth-year electrical construction apprentices and high school students to compete on the skills they have gained through a combination of practical experience and classroom instruction.

Competition winners were Louis Cherol of Summerville, Fort Dorchester High School; Chris Gandy of North Charleston (first year); Don Sick Jr. of Summerville (second year, Trident Technical College); James Williams of West Ashley (second year, Garrett Technical Academy); John Cameron of West Ashley (third year); and Jamal Wright of Johns Island, (fourth year).

A registered apprenticeship program is a paid, in-house training program that combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Working according to standards set by the company and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, an apprentice earns a nationally recognized certification as a Journeyworker upon completion of the program. More than 1,000 occupations qualify for apprenticeship training.

Pictured from left: Dr. Mary Thornley, president of Trident Technical College; Don Sick Jr., second-year winner; Chris Gandy, first-year winner; John Cameron, third-year winner; Jamal Wright, fourth-year winner; James Williams, second-year winner; Louis Cherol, high school winner; and Anne Marie Stieritz, executive director of Apprenticeship Carolina.