Installing new runway lights is one of the many things Gulf Coast Community College students are learning to do at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in West Bay.

Preston Breen is a first year apprentice.

"I think it's a really good opportunity. I think there is a lot of support for it," Breen said.

Breen is one of 15 students taking part in the electrical apprenticeship program hosted by the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union.

Consolidated Electrical out of Dothan, Alabama is the contractor. Gary Bechler is the apprenticeship director.

"It's a program to better the workforce. Everybody wants qualified electrical people doing their work," Bechler said.

The students spend eight-thousand hours in the field and nine-hundred in the classroom. Once they finish the five year program, they become industrial commercial journeymen wiremen.

Danny Joun is in his second year.

"Of course in class we learn a lot of ac theory. We do a lot of dc theory, motor controls and everything we need to keep up to date with changing technologies," Joun said.

"This is not just for someone who wants a job. This is a career," Andrew Harwood, a second year apprentice said.

And even though Breen is only in his first year.

"We don't have a lot of experience yet, but we're getting it. We're got our white belts in karate," Breen added.

He's hoping his skill will spark into a life-long electrical career.

These students are a part of history. Helping to light the way for the first international airport built since September 11th.

For more information on the electrical apprentice program offered at Gulf Coast Community College, just long onto http://www.gulfcoast.edu/technology/electrical_apprenticeship/degree_plan.htm