PLYMOUTH, MI — The Associated General Contractors of Michigan (AGC of Michigan) awarded six construction skilled trades apprentices and their mentors with the Apprentice of the Year Awards and Outstanding Construction Mentor Awards, respectively, and two contractors with the Cornerstone Award for Construction Training Excellence at the association’s Annual Meeting in Plymouth.

“AGC of Michigan is proud to recognize apprentices and contractors who embody our values of skill, integrity and responsibility,” said Damian P. Hill, President of the AGC of Michigan. “Our members are committed to comprehensive, innovative and safe training for apprentices to set them up for long-term success. Skilled trades workers are the key to continuing to build Michigan’s construction industry today and in the future.”

Recipients of the Apprentice of the Year Awards must demonstrate achievement in attendance and punctuality; craft mastery and productivity; leadership skills and teamwork; safety awareness; spirit of competitiveness; and commitment to their craft, employer and the community.

For a fifth year, Outstanding Construction Mentors were also recognized. Each top apprentice selected a person in their industry who made an impact on their career path and development.

Apprentice of the Year and Outstanding Construction Mentors Awards were given to awardees in the following industries:

• Bricklayer: Travis Buda (Davenport Masonry, Holt); Mentor: Greg Hall (Davenport Masonry)
• Carpenter: Neil Spencer (Pumford Construction, Saginaw); Mentor: Grant Hugo (Pumford Construction)
• Iron Worker: Nickolas Serra (Sterling Erectors, Sterling Heights); Mentor: Todd Foremann (Ironworkers Local 25 Training Center)
• Operating Engineer: Elizabeth Kavanagh (Barton Malow, Southfield); Mentor: Mark Zinser (OE Local 324 Training Center)
• Construction Laborer: Sandra Dunn (Dan’s Excavating, Shelby Twp); Mentor: Rob Hentkowski (Dan’s Excavating)

Apprentice award recipients also receive a $1,000 check co-sponsored by the AGC of Michigan’s Workforce Development Committee, Michigan Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Michigan Laborers Training & Apprenticeship Institute, Ironworkers Local #23 Training Center and Operating Engineers 324 Apprenticeship & Training Fund.

The Cornerstone Awards for Training Excellence were given to Aristeo, Livonia and Hardman Construction, Ludington. This award recognizes and honors contractor contributions in advancing the quality of their skilled workforce.