Approximately 2,000 Virginia employers representing a variety of occupations participate in the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Registered Apprenticeship Program. This year, our Safety Director and Field Apprentice Representative, Robert Ham, and all of our foreman nominated mason apprentice, Matthew Beahm for VDOL's Outstanding Apprentice 2007. Matthew was one of only four individuals to receive this annual award. The honor is presented to individuals who have excelled in accuracy, cooperation, initiative, leadership, decision-making, and consideration for their employer and co-workers.
An awards presentation was held at the Virginia Apprenticeship Council meeting in Highland Springs, VA where Matthew received two plaques which were presented by Mr. Ray Davenport, Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine.
As a sponsor, Shen-Valley Masonry employs registered brick layer apprentices, giving them approximately three years of supervised on-the-job organized and systematic work experience to enable them to become journeyman masons. Apprentices also receive instruction through Massanutten Technical Center designed to provide them with the theory and technical knowledge related to the trade.
We are proud of Matt's accomplishments and hope his example will encourage other young men who seek to choose masonry as a career.
Read Governor Tim Kaine's press release here:
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=562
For more information about apprenticeship in Virginia: