Governor Kaine Recognizes Outstanding Apprentices for 2007 - Awards highlight importance of quality apprenticeship programs to Commonwealth's workforce
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today presented awards to four apprentices honored as Virginia's Outstanding Apprentices for 2007.The Virginia Apprenticeship Council, in association with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, sponsors the awards program, which honors outstanding apprentices each year. Apprentices who have completed their training programs are nominated by their sponsoring organizations and judged in many areas, including craftsmanship, accuracy, cooperation, leadership, decision-making and consideration for their companies and co-workers."I commend the outstanding apprentices for their hard work, skill and commitment," said Governor Kaine. "With all that they have achieved, they are real assets to their trades and occupations, their employers and the Commonwealth."Governor Kaine joined Dr. Steven Staples, Chair of the Virginia Apprenticeship Council and C. Ray Davenport, Commissioner of Labor and Industry, to present the 2007 Outstanding Apprentice Awards to:
- Matthew J. Beahm, a masonry apprentice employed by Shen-Valley Masonry, Inc., Harrisonburg;
- Danitra A. Daniels, a HVAC apprentice employed by Calvert-Jones Co., Inc., Alexandria;
- Cheryl A. Gallant, an optician apprentice employed by Dr. William R. Waldron, Yorktown; and
- Kristine M. Grafton, a pipefitter apprentice employed by Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth.
"It is a pleasure to recognize our outstanding apprentices for excelling in their work. Their achievements are a testament to the rewarding career and skill development opportunities available through registered apprenticeship," said Council Chair Staples. "I congratulate all the apprentices and their employers on their outstanding efforts and for recognizing the value of registered apprenticeship," Davenport said. "Apprenticeship is a proven, efficient workforce development program that helps ensure a highly skilled, productive, healthy and safe workforce."