Milwaukee Tools Apprentice of The Month - Cameron Baker

Apprentices of all years should always be looking out for their fellows. Coming into the Union, many apprentices may not fully appreciate all the benefits to which they are entitled. It is a great boon to sisters and brothers when apprentices work together to fully realize how much is possible within the Union. One apprentice that has gone above and beyond with helping his fellow students is Cameron Baker, who recently became a fourth year.

“When Cameron was in class, he was helping all the other students get their optional 401(k)s set up, which was a great thing to see,” says Dennis Caruso, 3rd year instructor. “Younger apprentices might not see the value in future planning like that. It’s good to see someone like Cameron helping them get on the right track.”

“When I was in the Navy, one of my collateral duties was being a financial specialist,” says Cameron. “I know how young people think about their raises and if I can sway my coworkers into putting some extra money away for retirement on top of our other retirement accounts, that’s a good day.”

Cameron, who served in the Navy for eight years, has also been helpful in getting other veteran apprentices in touch with Helmets to Hardhats, a non-profit that has helped more than 40,000 veterans pivot from their military service into a career in the construction industry.

“When I got out of the Navy and became an electrician, I had to negotiate my own wages every time I went to a new job,” says Cameron. “One of the best parts of being in the Union is getting those benefits and not having to argue about your worth with every new employer. Collective bargaining is absolutely the way to go.”

When asked about what advice he would give to other apprentices, and Cameron’s response is simple: ‘be a sponge’.

“Learn all you can, soak it all up,” he says. “Class is a time to learn as much as you possibly can and, at the same time, ask questions you might not be able to in the field.”

For his hard work, Cameron will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tool from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from all the staff at the Sacramento JATC.