Milwaukee Tools Apprentice of The Month - Aaron Hendel
A good apprentice must be keen to learn. They must be able to follow instructions and be able to take constructive criticism. They must keep an open mind and learn to grow and be molded by their journeymen. More than anything, they have to prove they have the tenacity of spirit and humility needed to make it through an IBEW/NECA apprenticeship.
This month’s choice for Apprentice of the Month is Aaron Hendel, a fifth year who has proven time and time again he excels in his trade. Through hard work and dedication, Aaron has proved himself as a skilled worker capable of taking direction and producing results.
“I always wanted to work in architecture, but more than that I realized I wanted to work with my hands,” says Aaron about how he got his start in the electrical industry. “After I started working in the electrical field, my uncle told me I should join the Union, and he’s always been a trustworthy person. Two years later I was in and loving my job.”
Aaron wasn’t a perfect electrician right out the gate, by his own admission. But because of the people with whom he worked, he learned to become a stellar apprentice and an excellent tradesman.
“I can’t speak highly enough about the people who have taught me,” says Aaron. “The journeymen I’ve worked with took the time to teach me everything I know, taught me how to do industrial controls and everything. I would get down on myself about something, but they would always raise me back up. They really were a godsend.”
“Aaron is a dedicated, hard worker,” says Rickey Pruett, a Studebaker Electric hand for a year and a half. “He always goes above and beyond and tries to learn everything that he can. He is a true value and asset on a jobsite.”
In addition to receiving glowing reviews from the field, Aaron’s presence in the classroom comes with accolades as well.
“I can’t think of someone who is more eager to learn or has a better attitude than Aaron,” says Brendan Nelson, fourth year instructor. “He is the kind of person who will hold the door open for 20 people. He is arguably one of the nicest, most polite and considerate people I’ve met.”
“We all get better not by being comfortable but by being challenged,” says Aaron. “No matter how hard it gets or seems to get, have faith that there will be good days. You can and will overcome any challenges you have.”
For his hard work, Aaron will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tool from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from all the staff at the Sacramento JATC.