Milwaukee Tools Apprentice of The Month - Lincoln Turpen
No two apprentices will ever have the same previous experience. One of the benefits of the Union is the ability for people from all backgrounds, from zero experience to people with years under their belts, to come in and enjoy the fruits of this program. It is always a boon, however, to have people with experience come in. Even more powerful is someone who has already gone through an apprenticeship, and a Union IBEW one at that, coming in to join our ranks. It is with pride that we announce May’s Apprentice of the Month, Lincoln Turpen, a graduated sound and communications journeyman who decided to become an IBEW apprentice again to gain a career as an inside wireman.
“I am learning quite a bit in this apprenticeship, I’ve already learned a ton,” says Lincoln, a fresh third year. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do so I don’t mind going through another five years to do it.”
Lincoln has already turned heads on the jobsites, taking initiative as a second year that’s more befitting a journeyman. He has been a huge asset to the jobs he has been on, both as a leader to his peers and as a competent, capable worker to his journeymen.
“It might be a little selfish, but it makes me feel good about myself,” says Lincoln when asked why he is so steadfast in helping his brothers and sisters on the jobsite. “It might come from my own background, but I like being able to stick up for others and help them whenever I can.”
Having already gone through an apprenticeship, Lincoln has had the benefit of experience as he came into the inside wireman program for his studies. Being more familiar with the materials, he has been a huge help to his classmates and is always a bright spot in the classroom.
“He is here to help, always,” says Zac Goodman, second-year instructor. “He has an infectiously good attitude and always brings the energy of the class up. He is consistently involved with attending meetings and is someone who can always be counted on.”
“Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask all the questions you can,” says Lincoln when asked if he has advice for younger apprentices. “It doesn’t matter how many times you have to ask them, make sure you understand how and why you are doing what you’re doing.”
For his hard work, Lincoln will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tools from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from the JATC and its staff.