Local 149 Apprentices Graduate, Next Apprentice Class Begins

United Association Local 149 in Savoy recently graduated a class of 15 apprentices before welcoming 17 new apprentices to the union.

Local 149 represents more than 600 plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC repairmen and others working across East Central Illinois.

Apprentices spend 10,000 hours on the job and 1,200 hours in the classroom, working for contractors, universities, hospitals and other facilities, before they graduate to become journeymen at those places. That experience earns them higher pay and greater responsibilities on the job.

Those recognized during recent graduation ceremonies at the I Hotel were Trenton Smith, Villa Grove; AJ Schlueter, Deland; Webb Hancock, Urbana; Fletcher Roth, Mansfield; Matthew Peters, Decatur; Evan Bachert, Savoy; Jonathan Brown, Savoy; Leonard Buchholz IV, Tuscola; Josh Buening, Charleston; Pete Fortney, Monticello; Jordyn Brock, Weldon; Patrick Majers, Champaign; Arren Martin, Covington; Zach Ayers, Buckley; Ryan Shugart, Oreana)

In addition, the union awarded Meislahn Awards to the most outstanding plumber and most outstanding pipefitter in the class. Evan Bachert won for plumbing, while Pete Fortney won for pipefitting.

Not long after they graduated, a new apprentice class began their careers. They spent a week receiving training at what's affectionately known as "Boomer's Boot Camp," learning the basics before starting their jobs.

Those who began work this week - and who will spend the next 5 years as apprentices - are Thomas Hansen, Paxton; Enrico Aquino, St. Joseph; Steven Shingleton, Mahomet; Keegan Followell, Weldon; Austin Croslow, Lerna; Samuel Spencer, Tuscola; Ethan Carroll, Villa Grove; Hayden Cargo, Urbana; Jana Ping, Sidney; Cameron Wittig, Monticello; DeMarko Hull, Mattoon; Ethan McElroy, St. Joseph; Colby Duitsman, Gifford; Nolan Rose, Urbana; Mason Smith, Villa Grove; Zachary Haben, Champaign, Brendan Bachert, Tolono.