350 apprentices to celebrate graduation at ABC of Wisconsin banquet

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The Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin on Friday will celebrate the graduation of 350 apprentices with a banquet in Wisconsin Dells.

Cole McCloskey, CEO of Verona-based Electrician and graduate of the ABC apprenticeship program, will give this year’s keynote address, officials said. The graduation banquet will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center, officials added.

“The ABC Apprenticeship program set me up for success as an electrician,” McCloskey said in a statement. “I am honored to share my story, and to encourage the next generation of our skilled workforce. There are tremendous opportunities in the construction industry,” he added.

“The graduation banquet is one of my favorite events at ABC of Wisconsin,” said Kelly Tourdot, president of ABC of Wisconsin. “It’s both exciting and rewarding to see apprentices complete their program and launch careers that will pay well and continue to be in demand,” she added.

The ABC apprenticeship program works with 12 construction trades, officials said. The program partners with employers who sponsor apprentices, who earn while they learn and graduate with full-time employment, officials added.

Apprenticeships last between three and five years depending on the trade, officials said. Apprentices graduate when they complete their courses and fulfill their required training hours, officials added.