UG2 Develops Facilities Leaders with Established Apprenticeship Program
At UG2, developing the next generation of talent isn’t just part of our mission—it’s a core promise to our people and our customers. The highly regarded UG2 Apprenticeship Program stands as a powerful example of that commitment, shaping not only tomorrow’s licensed journeyman technicians but also the industry’s future leaders.
In 2018, its inaugural year, the UG2 Apprenticeship Program’s participants included a few co-op students from a technical high school who alternated time in class with time gaining hands-on experience with us in the field. They were quick learners with immense talent and potential who were enthusiastic about pursuing a career in the trades. Well in advance of their graduations, we worked to place them in apprenticeship positions with licensed journeymen who would take the time to develop their talent with true mentorship and skills-building.
Seven years later, our Apprenticeship Program has grown to include 18 participants—and those young co-op students are flourishing as licensed journeymen themselves in UG2’s Mobile Maintenance Division.
The program has expanded through visionary leadership, industry collaboration, strong personal relationships, and a deep respect for the craft of our people. Just like UG2 itself, it continues to evolve with purpose, discipline, and heart.
A Program Built on Standards and Elevated by People
Registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Apprenticeship Standards, our program enables HVAC apprentices to meet all requirements in as little as three years. The expectations are high—450 classroom learning hours and 6,000 supervised working hours under the guidance of a licensed journeyman and sponsored by a Licensed Refrigeration Contractor on our Operations & Maintenance team.
But what truly sets the UG2 Apprenticeship Program apart is our belief that skills alone don’t build success—people do. Our apprentices receive world-class technical training, but they also gain mentorship, safety education, and real-world leadership experience that prepare them for a lifetime in this industry. We want to provide our talent with every opportunity to build a successful and fulfilling career with us. Through our ongoing, industry-leading training programs, they pursue their interest and stay ahead of the curve on new technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainability practices.
Connecting Talent Early—and Supporting It for Life
We’ve built this program by investing in people: connecting with local communities, mentoring emerging professionals, and supporting every individual who joins the UG2 family.
Leading that charge is Teresa Vielma, who joined UG2 in 2024 as a HR & Talent Development Administrator and quickly became one of the program’s greatest champions. Her ability to connect with apprentices—to understand their goals, challenges, and strengths—has elevated the program to new heights. Today, as a Human Resources Generalist, Teresa continues to expand its reach and impact.
“Our apprentices are working incredibly hard, often attending night classes after spending all day learning on the job,” says Teresa. “And our journeymen are providing a critical service as mentors—passing on decades of wisdom and experience while still excelling in their own demanding roles.”
Through her leadership, UG2 has forged new partnerships with local high schools and trade schools to introduce young people to rewarding careers in facilities management. One such connection began with a simple ‘Lunch and Learn’ session and has grown into a pipeline of future UG2 professionals who will learn, train, and thrive with us.
Growing Leaders from Within
The UG2 Apprenticeship Program goes beyond achieving licenses—it’s about creating lifelong careers. We want every participant to see UG2 not just as an employer, but as a permanent home for their ambitions.
We invest heavily in each apprentice’s journey—from covering exam prep courses to carefully matching placements with mentors who understand their goals. Our HR and O&M leaders stay closely connected to every participant, ensuring they receive the encouragement and guidance they need to succeed.
The young co-op students who are now licensed journeymen in our Mobile Maintenance Division, for example, were ideal candidates for that placement because they wanted positions that would keep them on the move, exposed to all the different industries UG2 serves. Other apprentices demonstrate a preference for focusing on a single account. We work with them to find the right one.
“I’m proud of the way this program brings in different people and helps them reach their goals,” says Teresa. “Our youngest graduate became licensed at just 20 years old, and others have started in their 40s. What unites them all is drive, curiosity, and commitment. Many of them will go on to become the next generation of journeymen—and eventually, UG2 leaders.”
Our successful placements also reflect our strong relationships and commitments to our customers. As we come to know the skills and interests of each apprentice in the program, we are able to approach customers with the information and insights that we believe would make them a great fit for their specific facility.
Our People, Our Power
The Apprenticeship Program represents everything UG2 stands for—excellence, opportunity, and the belief that our people are the engine of our success. Every apprentice who steps through our doors strengthens the foundation of who we are and who we’ll become.
This month, we’re celebrating these rising stars through a special social media series highlighting our talented apprentices and the Tools of the Trade that help them excel. Keep an eye out for these stories—they’re a window into the bright future of UG2.
To learn more about the UG2 Apprenticeship Program or explore how to join our growing team, contact us today.