BR T C FAL L 20 1 9 G R A D U A T I O N
YOU HAVE TO EARN IT
JANUARY 23, L’AUBERGE BATON ROUGE Images by Eye Wander Photo
“These guys and gals have earned what they came to school for.”
the graduates. Guidry is a former student of and instructor for our Baton Rouge Training Center.
Kelly Carpenter, ABC Pelican’s Director of Education, spoke these words as ABC Pelican staff, instructors, members, family and friends came together to celebrate 156 craft professionals for completing craft training courses with our Baton Rouge Training Center last semester.
Guidry learned about ABC Pelican by asking his supervisor how he could become a planner. “You gotta go to ABC,” was the response that had a lasting impact on Guidry. After exceling in the planning and estimating class, Guidry was presented with the opportunity to be an instructor for the training center.
ABC Pelican’s students graduated in electrical (11), heavy equipment (4), millwright (13), mobile crane (19), instrumentation (11), pipefitting (7), project supervision (16), site safety (12) and welding (63), and the skill sets these craft professionals have earned are in high demand.
“I became a teacher because it was a way to give back.” After teaching at ABC, Guidry’s career at Turner offered him some incredible opportunities, but he had to work for each one.
“Construction makes up an impressive 13 percent of the employment in our region and the projected demand for skilled craft professionals is up in our area,” said David Helveston, President and CEO of the Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. “ABC Pelican proudly prepares craft students like these 156 graduates with both book knowledge and hands-on experience to ensure the workforce meets the demand of our industry.” Wes Mincin with Triad Electric & Controls welcomed the crowd, thanked the families and friends for attending and touted some impressive stats about the Fall 2019 class, including its 76 percent retention rate and the eight students that would be representing ABC Pelican at the National Craft Championships in Nashville in March. Steve Bomar with Performance Contractors then led the audience in a moving prayer and pledge. Mincin then returned to the stage to introduce the guest speaker. Carlos Guidry, 2020 ABC Pelican Chairman and Senior Vice President of Construction at Turner Industries, delivered keynote remarks to 13
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“When I was sitting in your spot, never in my wildest dreams would I have believed my career would lead me to where I am today,” Guidry shared with the graduates. “It’s earned, and you earn everything in life. Never forget that.” Guidry also encouraged the graduates to remember these keys to success, wherever their career path takes them: •Get to work early. •Don’t watch the clock at the end of the day. •Check yourself before you finish a task. •If you don’t have anything to do, go find something to do. •Follow through. Ten of ABC Pelican’s Fall 2019 graduates are women, one of which is Tannah McAlister of Independence, LA. McAlister, 21, is a PALA employee who received her Mobile crane and rigging certifications through ABC Pelican. This past fall, McAlister scored the highest on her final exam in Mobile crane. “This is a huge accomplishment to me, and I’m proud of myself,” McAlister said. “I’m not sure who was more excited: my mom or me. I prepped extensively for the exam, creating well over 100 flashcards for myself, and that exam is still proudly hanging on my fridge.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
