August: Jacob Balster-Gee
“My oddest job before the IBEW was being a lifeguard for the City of San Jose. I never knew what to expect, but it was pretty fun. I only had to save one person from drowning—a little kid who fell in without her life jacket.
“Once I interviewed for the apprenticeship, everything changed. I hate public speaking, so interviews are tough. But you only have to do that once, and now I get dispatched, and get raises and healthcare. It feels like someone’s looking out for me so I can get ahead.
“I love working with my hands and learning every day. I’m a bit of a nerd. I actually enjoy school, reading the textbooks–all of it. I want to keep learning as long as I can, and you can do that in the IBEW.
“I was born and raised in San Jose. My dad taught me work ethic, and my mom taught me to be kind and always do my best. I try to make them proud. I volunteer whenever I can with 332 for the bike builds, trunk-or-treats, and the union picnic. It’s fun meeting new people and then running into them on the jobsite. Outside of work, I like concerts, movies, and hanging out with friends. The holidays are fun and mean a lot since my family’s spread out.”
September: Omar de Lara Sandoval
“Before the apprenticeship, I worked at Costco and spent time as a carpenter. That opened my eyes to blue-collar work. My family always pushed college. My dad was a union laborer, but he still wanted me to get a degree. I went, but I didn’t like it. Being an electrician is what has finally defined my career.
“When I started, I was super green, but exceptional people have taught me everything. Both school and the field have set me up for success. In the apprenticeship, you’re not just thrown in, you’re built up, and it’s a real brotherhood. You’re treated like a person. If you have a problem, you can talk to your foreman, and you’re respected. That means a lot. And at the end of the day, the work is incredibly rewarding. I come home knowing I’ve had a fingerprint on projects at Google, Apple, and world-renowned companies. It amazes me that we literally have our hands on the future of AI.
“My biggest influence is my father. When I felt stuck, he told me to apply to the IBEW because it’s the best union with great benefits and camaraderie. His guidance taught me how to be a man and provide for my family. Now I have a six-year-old daughter; my wife is due on December 31; and being a father is definitely my favorite hobby!”
October: Grant Hayden
“Before I joined the trades, I worked in urgent care and as an EMT. I saw everything: people who were stabbed or beaten, people who were terminally ill, and people OD’ing. I met people from every walk of life.
“The oddest job I ever had was helping my uncle with his trash business. We cleared out houses and hauled everything to the dump. It taught me to appreciate hard work, get dirty, and earn money, but also that I didn’t want to do that forever.
“The trades have been incredible. It’s a real skill set with no college debt, and once you finish the apprenticeship, no one can take that away from you. I enjoyed healthcare, but electrical work is deeply gratifying. It’s tangible to see what you’ve installed. I also like working with people who might have been in the military, in jail, or just on a different path. The trades are so inclusive, and everyone brings something.
“My mom raised me and my sister on her own, and she taught me to persevere. I got into the trades at 21, which is young, but her values set me up for success. Outside of work, I like hanging out with the guys. But at the end of the day, spending time with my eight-year-old daughter is my favorite activity outside of work.”
November: Alex Meyer
“Before the apprenticeship, I was a technician, building tooling for semiconductor fabs. I inspected everything under a high-powered microscope, looking for defects that could cause leaks under operating conditions. That job taught me how critical attention to detail is, and I bring that with me into the electrical trades.
“What I love about the apprenticeship is getting to understand every aspect of the work, from the mechanical side to the theory behind it. We learn on the job, and then go to school to reinforce it, tying everything together. I also love the IBEW: Between the mentorship, the training, and the shared pride in our work, there’s a strong sense of community. You’re part of a workforce that looks out for each other and lifts each other up during tough times. That’s hard to match.
“My dad has been the biggest positive influence in my life. Working with him taught me discipline, problem-solving, and taking ownership of my work. Even now, the habits I learned from him guide me through complex tasks, like slowing down, paying attention to detail, and not cutting corners.”
December: Jesus Gomez Serna
“Before I joined the IBEW, I worked for a general contractor doing kitchens and bathrooms. I’d spent three years in college studying mechanical engineering, but I realized I wanted something different. The trades offered better benefits, real work/life balance, and a sense of camaraderie. It wasn’t just one thing that drew me in—it was all the good things put together. Here, it’s getting paid to do a solid day’s work.
“What I love about the apprenticeship is the mix of class time and hands-on learning, both at school and on the job. It feels good when what I learn in class shows up on the jobsite, and things click into place. In the IBEW, the camaraderie feels like family. Everyone looks out for each other, and we help each other get the work done safely. That matters to me.
“My family shaped me, but I like hearing diverse perspectives and taking in opinions from multiple angles. Outside of school and work, I love being outdoors. But free time is rare right now, and so a lot of time is spent with my eight siblings and twelve nieces and nephews. Family is important, whether it’s my own family or my IBEW family.”
