DENVER, CO — June 6, 2026 — Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM), the nation’s largest IEC Electrical Apprenticeship Training Organization, celebrated a historic milestone during its 2026 Graduation Ceremony held at the National Western Stock Show Complex Stadium Arena in Denver. Built in 1908, the iconic venue provided a meaningful backdrop for the event, which honored a record-breaking class of 355 graduates—the largest graduating class in IECRM history. The ceremony took place in the morning and recognized graduates completing IECRM’s rigorous 4-year Electrical Apprenticeship Program, marking a significant moment for the organization, its industry partners, and the future workforce of the electrical trades.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Brett Reyes, IECRM Development Director, who greeted graduates, families, instructors, contractor members, and industry partners on behalf of IECRM’s Board of Trustees, Board of Directors, staff, and instructors. She highlighted IECRM’s role as the region’s largest electrical apprenticeship training program and recognized the Class of 2026 for achieving the milestone of 355 graduates, the largest class in the organization’s history.
College Credit Earned Through Apprenticeship
In addition to meeting the classroom training requirements to become a licensed electrician in Colorado and Wyoming, IECRM graduates earn industry credentials and significant college credit through their apprenticeship experience. The skills and knowledge gained through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and on-the-job learning translate into college credit opportunities that recognize their hard work and dedication.
Graduates of IECRM’s 4-Year Electrical Apprenticeship Program receive:
- Up to 45 college credits through Colorado Community College pathways toward an Associate of Applied Technology degree, requiring only the completion of general education coursework through our partnership with Emily Griffith Technical College.
- Credit opportunities through Project SCALE’s High Potential Leadership Program, placing graduates just 15 credits away from earning an Associate Degree in Construction Management, while accelerating leadership and career advancement opportunities.
- Up to 58 credit hours through CSU Global, nearly half of the coursework required toward various bachelor’s degree programs.
- Additional transfer opportunities through partner institutions, including Metro State University, and recognition through the American Council on Education (ACE) and IEC National.
These educational pathways demonstrate that apprenticeship is not simply an alternative to college—it is a direct route to both career success and continued higher education.
Building Colorado’s Future
The ceremony opened with remarks from David Scott, Construction Industry Advocate with Encore Electric, President of the IEC Rocky Mountain Board of Directors, Mountain West Regional Director on the IEC National Board of Directors, and member of the State of Colorado Apprenticeship Council.
Scott reflected on the significance of the venue and the role graduates will play in shaping the future:
“The National Western Stock Show Complex stands as proof that skilled trades professionals do more than construct buildings—they create economic opportunity, strengthen communities, and leave a legacy that will serve future generations. Today, you join that proud tradition. You are becoming builders of the future.”
He emphasized that electricians power businesses, support families, drive economic growth, and help shape communities throughout Colorado, Wyoming, and beyond.
Honoring the Educators Behind Student Success
IECRM Training Manager Annette Gauna, celebrating 29 years with IEC, recognized the instructors whose expertise and dedication help develop the next generation of electrical professionals.
“None of us got here alone,” Gauna shared. “Today’s achievement reflects not only the hard work of our graduates but also the support of instructors, mentors, families, and classmates who helped them succeed.”
Special recognition was given to instructors reaching significant service milestones:
10 Years of Service
- Stevenson Deshommes
- Kenneth Haack
- Chris Hoag
- David Kohler
- Kevin Padilla
- Scott Sorensen
15 Years of Service
- Brian Slota
25 Years of Service
- Joe Tate
A special tribute was paid to Joe Tate, a former IECRM apprentice who returned to the organization as an instructor in 2001 and has since impacted countless apprentices through his commitment to education and safety.
Gauna also recognized Brian Slota as the recipient of the 2026 IECRM Instructor of the Year Award, honoring his outstanding leadership, commitment to student success, and contributions to the apprenticeship program and electrical industry.
Several IECRM instructors attended the graduation ceremony to help IECRM staff run the event smoothly and to celebrate their students as they completed their apprenticeship. Their presence showed the strong support between instructors and apprentices and the shared pride in the graduates’ hard work and success.
Character Defines Success
Keynote speaker Rob Watkins of Rocky Mountain Electric and Control challenged graduates to recognize their value and uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout their careers.
“You are valuable now,” Watkins told graduates. “You chose a trade that matters. The world needs people who know how to work with their hands, think with their minds, and stand behind what they do.”
He encouraged graduates to build their reputations through consistent excellence, honesty, and doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.
“Because this trade does not just need more electricians,” he said. “It needs more electricians with integrity.”
Recognizing Excellence
IECRM Training Director Paul Lingo honored the outstanding achievements of students who distinguished themselves throughout their apprenticeship journey.
2026 Top Student Awards
Selected by instructors based on academic achievement, leadership, class participation, peer support, and personal growth, the 2026 Top Students included:
- Nataniel Alvarado – BLS Electrical Inc.
- Benjamin Dvorak – BLS Electrical Inc.
- Marc Queneau – ADK Electric Corporation
- Brady Roberts – Nobleman Electrical Contracting
- Nicholas Royston – Encore Electric
- Esteban Sanchez – Encore Electric
- Gavin Selman – Conduct All Electric
- Harrison Steele – Encore Electric
- Francisco Vasquez – Montgomery Electric, Inc.
- Lawrence Webb – Webb Electric LLC
- Thomas Wilson – Magee Electric, Inc.
Top Student of the Class of 2026:
Victor Lysakowski – Rapid Energy Solutions
Top students also received valuable electrical tools donated by Milwaukee Tool.
2026 Wire-Off Skills Challenge
Graduates were also recognized for excellence in IECRM’s annual Wire-Off competition, which tests apprentices’ hands-on electrical skills through motor control and pipe-bending challenges.
Top 10 4th-Year Wire-Off Finalists:
- Jonah Lee Carrico
- Luke Alan Fels
- Jacob Charles McGowan
- Tyler Michael Phelan
- April L. Souther
- Francisco Javier Vasquez
- Noah James Wood
Wire-Off Winners:
- 3rd Place: Vauwn Lerma, Smith Electric
- 2nd Place: Allan Mendoza-Erives, Totem Electric
- 1st Place: Gavin Selman, Conduct All Electric
As the 1st-place winner of the 4th-Year Competition, Gavin Selman will represent IECRM at the IEC National Apprentice of the Year Competition during the IEC SPARK Convention in Columbus, Ohio, this October.
Celebrating Women in the Electrical Industry
Presented by Milwaukee Tool, the Women in Power Award recognizes emerging female leaders who are helping reshape perceptions and expand opportunities within the electrical industry.
The 2026 recipient was Eliza De Herrera of Encore Electric, recognized for her academic excellence, dedication to safety, commitment to learning, and support of fellow female apprentices.
Her leadership and willingness to give back continue to inspire future generations of women entering the skilled trades.
Academic Excellence
Two graduates were recognized for maintaining the highest cumulative GPAs throughout all four years of apprenticeship training.
Salutatorian
Murdoch Bell – Custom Electric
98.42% cumulative GPA
Valedictorian
Victor Lysakowski – Rapid Energy Solutions
98.65% cumulative GPA
Addressing his classmates, Lysakowski reflected on the transformative impact of apprenticeship.
“I am profoundly grateful for this electrical apprenticeship,” he said. “It has changed my life in ways I never thought possible.”
He encouraged graduates to continue pursuing excellence, mentor future apprentices, and embrace the responsibility that comes with becoming journeymen electricians.
A Graduation Message from IEC National Board President Don Sharkey: https://vimeo.com/1165475265?&login=true
A New Beginning
In his closing remarks, Paul Lingo reminded graduates that while their apprenticeship journey had concluded, their professional journey was just beginning.
“Today, we celebrate more than just the completion of a program—we celebrate a commitment to excellence, a mastery of skill, and the promise of a future built by capable hands and dedicated hearts,” Lingo said.
He emphasized the values that define the merit shop philosophy: performance, not preference; achievement, not entitlement.
“As of today,” he told graduates, “homework, quizzes, and exams will no longer be the measuring point of success. Dedication, knowledge, preparedness, forward thinking, pre-planning, and safety are now your focus.”
He concluded with a reminder that electricians bring buildings to life and challenged graduates to inspire the next generation entering the trade.
“Though the road of apprenticeship is now ending, your journey as skilled electricians has only just begun.”
Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
IECRM extends sincere appreciation to its contractor members, industry partners, educational institutions, and sponsors whose continued support makes apprentice success possible.
Special thanks to our event sponsors and tool donors:
IECRM also recognizes its valued educational and agency partners:
- Emily Griffith Technical College
- Metro State University
- CSU Global
- Colorado Office of the Future of Work
- IEC National
Congratulations to the IECRM Class of 2026. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, these graduates have earned their place among the next generation of skilled electricians who will power our communities and shape the future of the electrical industry.
Click here to see more photos of the 2026 IECRM Graduation.
ABOUT IECRM
IECRM is a trade association for the electrical contracting and renewable energy industry and a four-year apprenticeship training program that prepares the next generation electrician for journeyman licensure. We represent more than 300 companies in the electrical industry in Colorado and train more than 3,000 apprentices and licensed electricians annually. IECRM is the largest IEC Apprenticeship program in the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting, and advancing the electrical industry.
