Allfirst, LLC recently partnered with Auxiliary Systems to launch an innovative program for high school technical students. Seven welding students from area schools were selected and enrolled in a Youth Apprenticeship Program for pipefitting. All students completed the program and received employment offers from sponsoring companies.

Apprentices include Christopher Minich Jr. (Smithfield High), Terri Fleming (Woodrow Wilson High), Davis “Trey” Throckmorton (Windsor High), John “Robbie” Burgess (Woodrow Wilson High), Noah Davis (Smithfield High), Amber Green (Grassfield High) and James Bergin II (Woodrow Wilson High).

“The young men and women came into the program totally dedicated and worked hard,” said Chief Instructor and Master Pipefitter, Marty Black. “I would be honored to have them on my pipefitting crew. We had 98-percent attendance and a perfect safety record throughout the program.”

Allfirst and Auxiliary Systems are approved apprenticeship shops through the Virginia Department of Labor & Industry. The companies have been recognized by and have received funding from The Hampton Roads Workforce Council.

“These apprentices are ready to go to work,” said Cindy Herring, safety administration and employee education coordinator. “This certification will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

2018-19 was the initial year of the program, which will be repeated annually for the foreseeable future.

Students have already begun applying for the next program, which begins in November and runs through May. Interested students may contact their Technical School Welding Instructor.

Allfirst is a general industrial contractor located in Suffolk and employs welders, fitters, mechanics, millwrights, carpenters, electricians and riggers. Allfirst works for Fortune 500 companies in various locations throughout the United States, as well as other companies in Virginia.