We're celebrating good times alongside our #PDIFamily with Power Design's first-ever graduating PowerU Apprenticeship class! After dedicating the last four years to training and the trade, our inaugural PowerU class can now say the on-the-job training, after-hours classes, and more have paid off.
The group of nine chose the apprenticeship path four years ago to advance their careers in the trades. From getting hands-on experience on some of the nation's most prominent projects to spending nights in the classroom putting their skills to the test, these apprentices will move forward to the next great chapter of their careers as fully-licensed technicians.
To celebrate these accomplished grads, we welcomed them from across the state to the GRID in St. Petersburg, FL for a special night of congratulations, joined by a few special guests. Power Design CEO and Chairman Mitch Permuy joined the celebration to personally congratulate the inaugural class and spoke to them about his experience as an apprentice and how it shaped his career.
"My apprenticeship was invaluable in helping me get to where I'm at in my career – in the beginning and today. The fundamentals that you learn in the apprentice program continue to help you along the road in your career," Permuy said. "I still use so many things from what I learned initially as an apprentice on a day-to-day basis."
Additionally, keynote speaker Brian House, Mike Holt Enterprises' vice president of digital technology and solutions, shared his words of wisdom with the graduating class as they enter the next chapter of their careers. After sharing his pathway to success from apprentice to vice president, he encouraged the graduates to stay dedicated to the trades, and one day they will reap the rewards.
"Take care of your trade, and it will take care of you," House said — and that is just what these apprentices plan to do.
We got to sit down with a few of the graduates to hear what the last four years meant to them, the impact it has had on their careers so far, and how they look forward to advancing their careers with Power Design. Check it out!
Interested in more of our PowerU program? Check it out, here.