The $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Lester Hernandez, a student enrolled in the Electrical Program at Florida Technical College. He was selected by Aireko Energy Group out of more than a dozen applicants.
Florida Technical College (FTC), in partnership Aireko Energy Group (AEG), is proud to announce the winner of its first Electrical Program scholarship. Lester Hernandez, a student enrolled at FTC Pembroke Pines Campus, was selected to be the first recipient. The decision was determined by AEG’s Executive Team and Senior Member Panel, after the student qualified with a GPA of at least 3.5, an application essay and three professional references.
“Lester is an outstanding student who truly exemplifies a great work ethic while pursuing to make a difference in his community, and we’re excited to see AEG recognizing that,” stated Dr. Michael James Burkett, president at Florida Technical College. “His commitment to his studies and volunteer work stood out among the rest and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
The $2,000 scholarship covers tuition and fees of the Electrical Diploma Program, which prepares students with technical skills and the knowledge to perform installations, provide service, troubleshoot and repair residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. Students learn safety procedures, construction math, construction drawings, riggings, circuits, electrical theory and the National Electric Code. Graduates are nationally certified to become electrician helpers for construction firms in the electrical trade industry.
The scholarships are awarded through Fundación Aireko, which has been committed to contributing to education since its inception in 1963. AEG gives back to their communities by awarding scholarships to students with limited resources.
“We were captivated by Lester’s essay and his family history, specifically his uncle Nicolas. Our parent company was funded in Puerto Rico and we currently have lots of talent from the Caribbean, Latin America, and from Continental United States. It is precisely our workforce’s diversity one of the factors that make us stand out as a company and give us a competitive advantage. Diversity and inclusion enhance our organization performance,” said attorney Julybeth Alicea, Human Resources Manager for AEG. “Similar to Aireko, Lester’s drive to make a difference, and his passion for the industry stood out in his application. To him, it wasn’t just about obtaining a degree, but what this scholarship would enable him to do and give back to the community. That’s really what we’re hoping to inspire and accomplish.”
Lester was inspired by his Cuban uncle who was also an electrician, and his work to support local businesses. He would often assist him during the summer with tasks on the job like organizing his work truck, which sparked his interest.
“One of the things I remember most is the feeling I would get after energizing some light or piece of equipment we spent hours working on—it was riveting. It always felt like such a wonderful accomplishment seeing your hard work pay off.”
Lester’s goal is to obtain his Master Electrician’s license and to open his own contracting business to serve his community like his uncle did.
“I know I still have many years of hard work ahead of me, both in the classroom as well as in the field. However, I believe my goals are attainable as long as I have a plan and continue to make progress toward each milestone I set in front of me.”
To learn more about the FTC Electrical Program and scholarship opportunities, please visit https://ftccollege.com/programs/construction-trades/electrical-diploma/.
About FTC: Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, Florida Technical College is an academic unit of NUC University (NUC), which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). FTC offers diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus.
Aireko Energy Group is a design-build electrical contractor and turn-key engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services provider with headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico and regional offices in Orlando, FL, and Norristown, PA. Aireko Energy Group is a leading provider of commercial, industrial, healthcare, institutional, government and Distributed Energy Resources (DER).
