Facilities leadership recently gathered to recognize Teddy Hermann as the 2026 Alabama Office of Apprenticeship Apprentice of the Year. Pictured are Jonathan McDonald, Zone 1 assistant supervisor; Chris Potts, Zone 1 supervisor; Travis Herrmann, Zone 1 assistant supervisor; Cullen Kennedy, electrical apprentice III and 2025 Apprentice of the Year; Josh Conradson, director of Maintenance; Travis Tally, assistant director of Maintenance; Jeff Gulledge, assistant supervisor for Preventive Maintenance; Teddy Herrmann, HVACR apprentice III and 2026 Apprentice of the Year; Meredith Smith, director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship; Scooter Herrmann, Business and Administration IT; and Johnny McDonald, HVACR technical advisor.
Teddy Herrmann, an HVAC apprentice with Auburn University Facilities Management, has been named the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA) Central Alabama Apprentice of the Year for Region 5, which includes 13 counties across central Alabama.
Now in the second year of his registered apprenticeship, Herrmann was nominated by Facilities Human Resources Manager Hayley Caver, who cited his ability to balance hands-on technical training with long-term academic goals.
“Teddy exemplifies the ‘scholar‑technician’ model,” Caver said. “At the midpoint of his apprenticeship, he is operating in a fast‑paced environment while strategically working toward an engineering degree.”
The AOA Apprentice of the Year awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional growth, commitment and diligence while contributing to Alabama’s workforce. For Herrmann, the recognition reflects both his dedication to learning and his passion for understanding building systems from the ground up.
“I’m grateful to be recognized for the effort I’ve put into learning and strengthening my understanding of how our systems work,” Herrmann said. “Having that foundation helps me see how systems are designed, built and applied in real‑world structures.”
Meredith Smith, director of the Alabama office of Apprenticeship, presents Teddy Herrmann with the 2026 Apprentice of the Year Award.
Herrmann’s journey with Facilities Management began while he was still in high school through the Auburn First Dual Enrollment program. By participating in Career Connections and Work‑Based Learning summer programs, he earned both high school and Auburn University college credit while gaining hands‑on experience in campus operations.
That early exposure led to a seamless transition into a co‑op role and, ultimately, the Auburn’s Facilities Management Registered Apprenticeship Program. Before his first official day as an apprentice, Herrmann already had a strong understanding of campus systems and expectations. Today, he is executing a deliberate plan to master HVAC fundamentals in the field while pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.
In addition to his technical abilities, Herrmann is widely recognized for his professionalism and strong work ethic. His supervisor, Jeff Gulledge, assistant supervisor in Facilities Preventive Maintenance Department, said Herrmann consistently goes above and beyond.
“Teddy has a great attitude and is always willing to adjust his schedule to meet the needs of clients and the work being performed,” Gulledge said. “He has come in early to assist with chiller preventive maintenance to help ensure systems are running efficiently. Safety is always his priority, and he communicates effectively with both coworkers and supervisors.”
Facilities apprenticeships play a key role in developing a skilled workforce through hands‑on training and mentorship. The department currently employs six apprentices across three trades: electrician, plumber and HVAC. Graduates receive nationally recognized credentials and are eligible to sit for journeyman licensure.
“Teddy’s success shows how a well‑supported apprentice can make a meaningful impact while setting a high standard for future workforce development,” Caver said.
Visit the Facilities Workforce Development website to learn more about its programs.
