Milwaukee Tools Apprentice of The Month - Melissa Porupsky

No matter the circumstance, apprentices have just as much a voice as a journeyman. Union meetings are one of the most sacred places for our members and it is in our hall that we have the chance to hear from leadership and to make our own voices heard at the microphone. It is doubly effective when some of the quieter people make an effort to have their opinions and questions heard. It is for that reason Melissa Porupsky has been named apprentice of the month. Her dedication to her fellows and her commitment to the Union mark her as an apprentice who cares about the future of the local.

“It’s important for apprentices to be active in their Union,” says Melissa, now a fifth year. “Sitting around and complaining doesn’t matter if you’re not learning how it all works. Make your voice heard and make it the best local you can.”

Melissa’s interest in her trade begins and ends with her ability to look back on projects with pride, to see her work in the end results of jobs.

“I like working with the materials we use,” says Melissa. “You have such tangible proof of what you’ve done. You made the lights come on; you made stuff work.”

“She has always been a quieter person in class, but despite her quiet nature when she speaks up, people listen,” says Brendan, fourth year instructor.

Because of her involvement with the Women’s Committee, Melissa will also be one of four members who will represent Local 340 at the 2024 IBEW Women’s Conference.

“She is very eager to learn,” says Erin Gibbens, third year instructor and a founding member of the Women’s Committee. “I am very happy she will be representing us at this year’s conference and her commitment to this local is hard to beat.”

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