Joining Electrician Tommy Stokes in his new award is (left to right) - Dick Ogg, Lead Electrician; George Petru, Supervising Building Service Engineer; John Howard, Refrigeration Mechanic at CSU San Luis Obispo; Steve Mallory, Electrician; John Connor, Electrician Supervisor at CSU Fullerton; and Pat Hallahan, SETC Consultant.

Apprenticeship Graduation for Tommy Stokes

Tommy Stokes, an electrician from Facilities Services, graduated from the certified apprenticeship program in December 2006 and began his career as a journeyman electrician. Recently, President Armiñana and Vice President Schlereth, as well as members of the Chancellor’s Office, the Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and the CSU State Employees’ Trades Council (SETC) attended the ceremony held on campus.  

Stokes joined SSU on August 15, 2000 in Facilities Services and began the apprenticeship program in December 2004.  He was awarded two years towards this apprentice program for work experience in his Naval and civilian career. The apprenticeship training consisted of an arduous classroom schedule after work hours and on-the-job training curriculum that lasted over two years.

As part of the recognition, he received certificates from the California Department of Industrial Relations and the SETC, Certificates of Recognition from the California State Senate and the California State Assembly, and Resolutions from the Honorable Don Perata and Lieutenant Governor, declaring the completion of his training. 

The apprenticeship program is a joint effort between the SETC and the CSU and is certified by the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards.  The Joint Apprenticeship Program has been a successful endeavor at SSU and is a powerful example of the union and the University working together to provide career training and opportunities for employees.