By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

The Town of Berlin Mayor and Council recognized Dave Davis, a recent graduate of the municipality’s utility meter technician apprentice program, earlier this week at a meeting.

The honoree was joined by his family, and Berlin leaders, staff, and state representatives celebrated the accomplishment.

Berlin’s electric and utility director, Tim Lawrence, who helped present the graduate’s certificates at the Monday gathering, said the program is four years long and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

“All kinds of testing goes into it,” Lawrence said. “It’s a very hard program.”

Davis began employment with the Town of Berlin in September 2019. He kicked off the certification process on July 12, 2021, and officially graduated from the program on January 31, 2025.

Lawrence said that Davis is the second apprentice to have graduated thus far, while a third is gearing up to finalize their education.

Alicia Dennis, an apprenticeship navigator from the Maryland Department of Labor serving Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties, attended Monday night’s meeting to extend congratulations to Davis from the state level.

“I want to start by bringing greetings and congratulations from our governor, Wes Moore, Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller, and Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu,” she said, addressing Davis. “This evening is truly special. You have worked several thousand hours on the job. You have attended and passed all of your required classes.”

The apprenticeship navigator continued, saying that this graduation is just one of a greater mission to enhance the municipality’s workforce.

“We are all here to celebrate [David], but I think it’s also important to recognize just how special this achievement is,” Dennis added. “This is one part of a larger collective effort. We also celebrate the Town of Berlin and its unwavering commitment to workforce development. The support from Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, the Town Council, and the entire community has been instrumental in making this apprenticeship program a success.”

The learning opportunity is in partnership with the Maryland Apprenticeship Program, which offers job seekers the opportunity to gain skills while earning money to make a living. It includes classroom instruction to enhance the students’ career preparedness.

“By partnering with the Maryland Apprenticeship Program, Berlin is not only helping to create opportunities for individuals like [Davis] but also ensuring that local businesses have access to a skilled and prepared workforce,” Dennis said.

The program, which includes the Northwest Lineman College curriculum, will also strengthen Berlin’s financial success.

“This partnership makes a difference,” Dennis said. “It fosters long-term economic growth and stability, not just for Berlin, but also for the State of Maryland, and the town’s active participation is a shining example of how communities can work together and invest in their people and create a strong, sustainable future.”

The apprenticeship navigator concluded by thanking Lawrence for his help in making Berlin’s program possible.