First adult class graduates from CTC electrical program

Charlotte Technical College sees first batch of success from new startup

CHLOE NELSON

Staff Writer

PORT CHARLOTTE — While the time of year holds a special time for seniors and students to celebrate their academic journey’s end, a new kind of graduation recently took place.

Charlotte Technical College celebrated the first graduation of its adult electrical class on May 30, honoring 14 students aged 19 to 28.

Just like other graduations, students wore caps and gowns as they accepted a certificate of completion and a new notch on their academic belt.

CTC’s adult electricity course, mirrored to the electricity program for high school students, prepares each person for employment or advanced training in a variety of electrical construction industries.

The adult program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses the understanding of all aspects of the electricity industry, according to the CTC website.

Under Theresa Waller, program director and a high school instructor, the program also identifies and works through real-life industry challenges with students.

Elements of the industry, such as underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and safety and environmental issues are taught in tandem with the technical and production skills.

Adult students complete 1,200 hours and the NCCER Core Certification under adult instructor Rollis Sandy, with a potential entrance into a paid apprenticeship with electrical company Tri-County.

Waller, a certified electrician, has expansive experience working in industrial, residential and commercial facility maintenance. After working in Sarasota County Schools, Waller was asked to help reignite CTC’s then abandoned electricity program.

Her hard work has paid off. The program first opened last fall with a demand so high, some people were placed on a waiting list due to lack of space, Waller said.

In this case, having a waiting list is a good sign.

Charlotte County is experiencing steady population growth and development — a growth that must be matched with skilled electricians to build with it.

The adult program allows students to be trained and prepared to help the growth by installing wiring, electrical panels, lighting and other systems to meet modern building codes and energy demands.

“I am personally so proud of this first class of graduating adults in the electrical program,” Waller said. “They have overcome the obstacles associated with opening a new program. The worked hard and have become amazing electrical apprentices. I have no doubt that they will continue to shine their light bright whenever they go. Congratulations class of 2025.”

Students who graduated included:

■ William Ambrose

■ Matthew Blanchette

■ Christopher Candales

■ Tyler Correll

■ Carlos Cruz-Ortiz

■ Brian Davis

■ Nicholas Green

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Theresa Waller (far right bottom) poses with first-time Charlotte Technical College Adult Electrical Program graduates with instructor Rollis Sandy (center, right) on May 30, 2025.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THERESA WALLER

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■ Walter Johnson

■ Marcos Lopez Garcia

■ Rishcar Malebranche

■ Gene Manus

■ Gexe Oro Campana

■ Kyle Pierre-Louis

■ Sebastian Villada Graduates wished one another well, sharing they hope to cross paths with one another out in the field one day. Others thanked their instructors for the opportunity to get their foot in the door of the blossoming field.

“If you want to get a jumpstart on life and a jump to the electrical field, this is the best start,” William Ambrose said.

For more information, visit ctc. yourcharlotteschools. net/119431_2