After a long and arduous 5-year training program, twelve Local 417 Sprinkler Fitters celebrated the completion of their apprenticeship at a graduation ceremony held on January 9.  Local 417 Business Manager Trinidad Uribe presided over the festivities, while Training Coordinator Brad Hopping served as the Master of Ceremonies at the event.  

The class of graduates were: 

Tyler Engel Alex Herrmann Joeseph Koester Aaron Cruz 

Andrew Landstrom Brian Lindvall Luke McDonell Michael Motschenbacher 

Mark Sandgren Trevor Schleh Michael Sutherland Tim Towey 

Troy Truesdell David Winter  

Several guests spoke to the graduates and conveyed their congratulations and the pride they felt in being part of the Apprenticeship program.  Speakers included: 

• Trinidad Uribe, Business Manager, Local 417 

• Sean Flaherty, Chair of the Local 417 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee 
• David Ybarra, President of the Minnesota Pipe Trade Association 
• John Aikin, Director of Apprenticeship at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry 

The graduates, their families, and guests had an opportunity to socialize, partake in a delicious dinner, and watch as each new Journeyman received his certificate of completion and Journeyman card.  Each graduate also received a gift from Milwaukee Tools.  It was a wonderful ceremony to mark the end of the apprenticeship program!   

These new Journeymen are starting on a great career and can rightfully take their place among the lifesavers in the Local 417 ranks.  It was a bit awe-inspiring to think that these men will be saving lives and property and preserving the well-being of businesses and families for decades to come!   

Please congratulate these new Journeymen and thank them for their work as they strike out into the contractor shops around the state.  They are well-prepared, enthusiastic, and talented.  They are eager to contribute, and they deserve the industry’s support and encouragement as they move forward in this rewarding career!