A standing ovation greeted the 140 apprentices who crossed the stage at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, celebrating years of hard work and dedication as they graduated from ABC Institute Apprenticeship College (ABCI). Surrounded by family, friends, employers, and instructors, graduates from seven construction trades were recognized for earning the skills and credentials to excel in Florida’s workforce as highly trained craft professionals.
The ceremony featured a commencement address by Troy Selberg, Director of Workforce Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Labor, and the presentation of the Ron Pearson Award to Student of the Year Dominique Gosha. Christopher Welsh was Salutatorian, and Gerardo Cabrera was recognized as Valedictorian.
The celebration also marked the installation of the 2026-2027 ABCI Board of Directors. Rudy Llerena, of D&B Tile Distributors, was installed as Chairman and will lead the organization’s continued expansion of apprenticeship and workforce development opportunities across Florida.
“The future of our industry isn’t built with concrete and steel first,” said ABCI Director of Education Alberto Altamiranda. “It is built by investing in people. The skilled trades are no longer simply jobs. They are high-demand, high-impact careers that require technical expertise and continuous learning.”
ABCI is thankful to Milwaukee, MasTec, C. Davis Electric, Diligent, C&F Electric, William R. Nash, Thermal Concepts, D&B Tile Distributors, and Southeast Mechanical Contractors, the sponsors that help make the celebration possible.
The graduating class is part of an industry facing a nationwide shortage of more than 350,000 workers. They strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals who will build this country.
► For the graduation video recap, click here!
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► For the graduation video recap, click here!
► For the graduation Photo Gallery, Click here!
