Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced Robert Stuart, an electrical instructor at ABC’s Stronghold Engineering, Inc., Riverside, Calif., as its 2011 Craft Instructor of the Year. Stuart received this honor April 13 during ABC’s 2011 EdCon & Expo in San Antonio.
“Robert’s enthusiasm, love for the craft, and willingness to share his knowledge and time are what have earned him the title of Craft Instructor of the Year,” said 2011 ABC National Chairman Michael J. Uremovich, president of Great Lakes Energy Consultants, LLC, Manhattan, Ill. “He has enhanced the careers of many construction craft workers and he is an inspiration and a role model for his students and for other instructors. It is truly an honor to recognize Robert with this award.”
Stuart began his career as an apprentice electrician with Stronghold in 1999 and today is a foreman electrician. He is certified by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) as an instructor for the electrical trade. In addition, he is NCCER-certified to teach a United States Green Building Council-approved introductory training module titled, Your Role in the Green Environment.
Stuart has been involved with local craft championship competitions for seven years and has served as the chairman of his chapter’s craft championships committee for the past four years. Stuart also has participated in the Apprenticeship 411 program for the past four years by conducting hands-on training, equipment demonstrations and seminars for more than 200 high school students and their parents in order to help them learn more about the career opportunities available in construction.
As the 2011 Craft Instructor of the Year, Stuart received a $3,500 cash prize from the Trimmer Education Foundation, ABC’s 501(c)(3) educational affiliate, a notebook computer and leather jacket from NCCER and a Craft Instructor of the Year trophy.
Stuart, representing Region 1, was selected from a field of six finalists for the 2011 Craft Instructor of the Year award. The other finalists are:
Region 3
Ricky Delafield
Millwright Instructor
ABC Pelican Chapter, Baton Rouge, La.
Region 4
Wayne Hopkins
Safety Instructor
ABC of Georgia, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
Region 5
Stan Holcomb
Plumbing Instructor
ABC Metro Washington Chapter, Calverton, Md.
Region 6
Stanley W. Pardel
Electrical Instructor
ABC Saginaw Valley Chapter, Midland, Mich.
Region 7
Vince Console
Carpentry Instructor
ABC Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter, East Norriton, Pa.