The 2024 ABC CraftMasters Training Trust Academy Graduation ceremony was hosted on Capitol Technology University’s campus on July 11th, celebrating the dedication and accomplishments of 45 CTT graduates. The event was attended by teachers, employers and families of the graduates, and featured a special guest speaker: former Governor of Maryland Larry Hogan.
Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington (ABC) founded the ABC CraftMasters Training Trust (CTT), a separate 501(c)(3) organization, to help its members and the merit shop construction community create a qualified workforce. CTT offers apprenticeship and construction craft training in up to 21 separate trades. Their mission is to develop construction trade professionals through innovative educational programming that provides the metro Washington region with the most highly-skilled workforce.
Former Governor Hogan delivered an inspiring graduation address, emphasizing his pride in our Maryland workforce and its resilience in the face of the growing challenges of today’s world. He noted that together, with the incredible work of the ABC and its students, an infrastructure renaissance was launched during his tenure as governor, establishing Maryland as a nationally recognized leader in workforce development and job training. “As you graduate today, I can assure you that your talents are desperately needed out there in the workforce; you are the backbone of Maryland’s economy and America’s economy and the work that you do is critical.” Former Governor Hogan encouraged CTT graduates to continue making a positive and significant impact on society using the specialized skills and education they worked diligently to obtain.
“In Prince George’s County, I was honored to address the members of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Metro Washington CraftMasters Training Trust graduating class of 2024, who have completed their four years of apprenticeship training across a variety of trades,” stated Hogan via X. “I want to thank ABC for the incredible work you do every single day to produce apprenticeships and to help Marylanders access careers in the construction industry. Growing our economy goes hand-in-hand with a flourishing workforce, and the work of Maryland's trades and construction workers is absolutely critical to the fabric of our state.”
Our Vice President of Cyber Science Outreach and Partnerships, Dr. Bill Butler, addressed the graduates as well on behalf of Capitol Tech, congratulating them on their achievements and emphasizing the critical role they play in our workforce as they fortify our nation's infrastructure and economy.
In 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Capitol Technology University and ABC Metro Washington was signed, establishing a strategic alliance and partnership to promote and provide opportunities for education and careers in the construction industry. Under this MOU, ABC graduates receive a 20% discount towards our Master’s and Doctoral programs, as well as the partner tuition rate for our undergraduate asynchronous online programs, in addition to access to other resources such as our Center of Excellence in Construction Management (CECM) and Critical Infrastructure Center (CIC). Capitol Tech offers programs in Construction & Facilities Management, Critical Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and more for today’s working professionals seeking career development and industry experience.
This week, ABC Metro Washington’s Director of Education, Marc Silvers and CraftMasters Training Academy Manager, Don Ellis, will be visiting our campus to meet with Capitol Tech Leadership, Dr. Bradford Sims, President, Dr. John LaNear, VP of Academic Affairs, and Gary Burke, Program Director of Construction Management and Critical Infrastructure, to discuss renewal of this agreement and ways to further strengthen this partnership and our nation’s industry pipeline. Recent CTT graduates will also be given a tour of our campus.
Capitol Technology University was honored to host the ABC Metro ceremony and our former Governor Larry Hogan’s visit to our campus, celebrating the educational achievements of the CTT graduates who now look ahead to new opportunities and solving challenges in their respective fields.
Congratulations to the 2024 ABC CraftMasters Training Trust Academy graduates!
For information on Capitol Technology University, visit our website.