Milwaukee Tools Apprentice of The Month - Ben Rabeshko

Apprentices must be at the top of their game throughout the entire IBEW program. If they slack off or stop paying attention to what they are doing in the field or classroom, it can have ripple effects throughout their entire careers. It is always refreshing to see an apprentice who is so aware of this fact, especially one who never rests on his laurels and who always goes the extra mile when it comes to helping his fellow apprentices whenever possible. For this reason, Ben Rabeshko, a second-year, is March’s apprentice of the month.

“I like to help people. I was in that same position, and I want to give that help to someone the way someone gave it to me,” says Ben. “The reason I decided to go with the Union is I see a future with the IBEW, not just in the physical installation part but of understanding the theory and why we do what we do.”

Ben has proven himself to be an adroit craftsman and learner, scoring well throughout his time in the apprenticeship and using that knowledge to better his abilities in the field.

“He is an amazing apprentice,” says Taras Levkiv, a journeyman Ben has worked for and under for much if his apprenticeship. “He pays a lot of attention to detail and his craftsmanship is superior. He always accepts new tasks willingly and his personality on the jobsite makes him someone who is fun to be around.”

Not just a force in the field, Ben also has the full confidence of his teachers when it comes to the curriculum and his ability to grok the complex ideas behind AC theory.

“He works well above his year in every way,” says Zac Goodman, second-year instructor. “He has the eye and the attitude of a seasoned electrician, and he likes to understand all aspects of the electrical industry from every angle.”

“Take your time to learn everything, don’t just ‘get things done’,” says Ben when asked if he has advice for up-and-coming apprentices. “Try to understand the theory behind it all. This is your career. You’re always going to need this and one day you’re going to have to teach it to someone else. If you can’t explain it, you don’t know it.”

For his hard work, Ben will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tools from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from the JATC and its staff.