When it comes to finding motivated apprentices in our trade, you never have to look very far. It is each and every apprentice’s duty to work hard, ask questions, and better themselves in the field by listening to and following the tutelage of their journeymen.

There are times in the field when you meet someone and can’t help asking yourself, “How do they just keep going no matter what?” There is a tenacity inherent with being a tradesman, but there is also a raw strength and drive that creates a craftsman we can be proud to call brother or sister.

It is with great pride we announce that Erin Gibbens, third year instructor, is a recipient of an award from the Sacramento Central Labor Council in recognition of her outstanding and invaluable work.

One thing every organized member of a Union hopes for is not just an apprentice who comes in and learns the trade from a journeyman but also one who is engaged with the membership and wants to be part of the conversation and volunteerism that comes with being organized.

In our trade we use lots of words as part of our professional code: loyalty, dedication, perseverance, and many others. When it comes to working in the electrical field, a steadfast ability to learn from your mistakes and to hold yourself to the highest standard is absolutely paramount.

The Sacramento Electrical Training Center is proud to announce the winner of the 57th Annual Western States Electrical Contest, our very own Chase Mora. Through perseverance, dedication, and hard work Chase beat out his fellow competitors and, for the first time, brought the championship home to Local 340.

For some electricians, nothing beats having to only explain things once. On top of that, having the reliability of a high-delivering apprentice who works well in concert with you and who also has a great attitude to match is quite the double threat. So it is with Nick Sanchez, September’s Apprentice of the Month.

Becoming a Union electrician is about quite a bit more than pulling conductors into conduit and installing receptacles. It involves a sea change in how you view your work life, an intense journey of learning the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a professional in our field, and a dedication to your brothers and sisters that proves why organized labor is one of the most vital heartbeats of American life.