Building the Future Together: Two Boston Apprentices Share Their Journey at C&W Services

At C&W Services, apprenticeships are more than a pathway into the skilled trades. They are an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, gain hands-on experience, and build a meaningful career with limitless potential. For Building Engineer Apprentices Christopher Bonfante and Kevin Pope at our Boston client site, the program has provided exactly that. 

Although they come from different backgrounds, both Christopher and Kevin were drawn to C&W Services by the opportunity to grow professionally while building a stable future. Kevin, a Marine Corps Veteran with extensive mechanical experience, and Christopher, a graduate of a technical high school HVAC program, each saw the apprenticeship as a way to expand their skills while creating long-term career opportunities.  

When asked what motivated him to join the company, Kevin put it simply.

"I wanted to move up, learn. The union was a big thing. I wanted to be able to have retirement and just be able to learn the trade."  

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

    
Featured: Building Engineer Apprentices Christopher Bonfante on the left and Kevin Pope is on the right.   

One of the greatest strengths of the apprenticeship program is the opportunity to learn through real-world experience. At their Boston property, Christopher and Kevin work with a variety of building systems and equipment, gaining exposure to challenges that cannot be replicated in a classroom. 

Christopher identified a recent high-voltage equipment project as one of the most impactful learning experiences of his apprenticeship so far. Working alongside experienced engineers, he participated in troubleshooting, repairs, and system maintenance that expanded both his confidence and technical knowledge. Kevin, meanwhile, credits working at multiple properties throughout his career with helping him become a more well-rounded technician. Exposure to different facilities, equipment types, and operating environments has accelerated his development and broadened his skill set. 

Their experiences reinforce an important lesson shared by many successful engineers: growth happens when learning and hands-on experience come together. 

The Power of Mentorship 

Both apprentices point to mentorship as one of the most valuable aspects of the program. From day one, they have been supported by experienced technicians, supervisors, and leaders who take pride in sharing their knowledge and helping the next generation succeed.

Christopher described the support system simply: 

"They're always there if you need them. They're always willing to help, phone call away, and they always ask if you need anything."

Kevin also highlighted the value of learning from seasoned professionals with decades of experience, noting that opportunities to work alongside veteran technicians have played a major role in his growth. Whether learning complex mechanical systems or understanding how to interact with clients professionally, those mentorship relationships have helped shape both apprentices into stronger engineers. 

Looking Ahead 

Featured: Building Engineer Apprentice Christopher Bonfante

When discussing their future goals, both apprentices expressed a desire to continue developing their skills and pursuing new opportunities within the organization. Kevin aspires to eventually become a leader or foreman, while Christopher is focused on becoming the best apprentice he can be and earning his license before pursuing the next step in his career.

Their confidence in the future is one reason both would recommend the apprenticeship program to others. 

As Kevin explained: 

"I think it's a really good place to work. I think a lot of benefits come with it. You're able to move up with the company and you get a license." 

Both apprentices are focused on long-term career growth. When asked where he sees himself in the future, Kevin shared: 

"Be a leader or a foreman. That's kind of the goal." 

Christopher is equally focused on development: 

"For me, it's developing, being the best apprentice, I could be, eventually getting my license, and then whatever opportunity presents itself."  

Building the Next Generation of Talent 

Kevin and Christopher represent the future of our industry. Their stories demonstrate the power of hands-on learning, strong mentorship, and a culture committed to developing people. Through the Building Engineer Apprenticeship Program, they are gaining the skills, experience, and confidence needed to become the next generation of engineering leaders. 

At C&W Services, that's what apprenticeship is all about: creating opportunities, developing talent, and building a stronger future for our teams, our clients, and our industry. 

By: Roger Collins, Elizabeth Harris, and Alice Reyes