Central Alabama Apprentice of the Year Cullen Kennedy with his parents Tony and Missty Kennedy.
Cullen Kennedy, an electrician apprentice with Facilities Management, was recently honored as the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA) Central Alabama Apprentice of the Year
for Region 5, which spans 13 counties in central Alabama.
“Receiving this award is an incredible honor,” Kennedy said. “I am truly grateful to be recognized for my hard work and dedication. This award inspires me to strive for excellence. I am humbled to have been selected and deeply appreciate all the support I’ve received along the way.”
The AOA awards highlight individuals whose dedication, skills and contributions are shaping the future of Alabama’s workforce. The Apprentice of the Year accolade specifically recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional growth, commitment and diligence throughout the year.
Kennedy, who is in the second year of his apprenticeship, was nominated for the award by Facilities Training Manager Hayley White and Chief Maintenance Officer Eric Moore.
“I remember being initially impressed with Cullen after his interview in April of 2023, and eager to see how he would do in his role as an apprentice electrician, White said. “Cullen’s positive attitude, professionalism, and strong work ethic are infectious and have been a positive influence on the maintenance department since his first day.”
Moore applauded Kennedy for his commitment to his coworkers.
“Cullen has excelled in his apprentice role not only in his class-based learning but also in his fieldwork. He is always willing to help with any job, even if it is not in his trade. He takes every opportunity to gain more knowledge and learn new skills.”
Kennedy’s interest in electrical work first took shape while assisting his father with small projects at home. After graduating from Valley High School in Valley, Alabama, he began his apprenticeship with Facilities Management the following summer.
“My initial plan during my senior year of high school was to attend a community college and earn a degree in electrical work,” explained Kennedy who learned about the apprenticeship from his mother, Missty Kennedy, of the university’s Procurement and Business Services Department.
“When I learned about Facilities’ apprenticeship program, I realized it was a perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience in my trade while benefiting from working in a university environment,” he said.
Facilities apprenticeship programs provide valuable hands-on training and mentorship, equipping apprentices with the skills necessary for successful careers in various trades. These programs form an integral part of the department’s award-winning workforce development strategy, ensuring a skilled and qualified workforce for the future.
There are currently six apprentices employed in the program. Two from each of the following fields: electrician, plumber and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Every graduate of the program will receive a nationally recognized credential and will be eligible to sit for the journeyman license in their respective field.
“This recognition underscores Facilities commitment to fostering a skilled workforce through its comprehensive apprenticeship programs,” White said. “The award not only celebrates the individual apprentice’s achievement but also highlights the success of Facilities training initiatives.”
Visit the Facilities Management Workforce Development page to read more about the apprenticeship program and other outreach initiatives for area high school students.
