“At Prime, we pride ourselves in being a ‘field first’ organization, and our success is driven by the field. The 164 members we employ are why we continue to grow in the marketplace.
“Our number one goal is, ‘Home Safe Every Day.’ With 332, we get a skilled labor force that has the same vision and can get the work done safely at a very high level. It’s a huge selling point with our customers.
“We are just breaking ground at the Santa Clara County behavioral health facility. It’s going to be 180,000 sq. ft. and completes in 2025. It will be a state-of-the-art mental health facility that will serve the community for decades to come. A project like this reflects how Prime and 332 members give back to the community. It’s one of the many reasons that when you work in a union shop, it’s more than a job, it’s a career. We are proud of our foremen, journeymen, and apprentices who contribute to our success.”
Jeff Turner | Prime Electric | General Foreman
“I was born and raised in San Jose, and now I own a home with my wife and two daughters in Morgan Hill. I started my apprenticeship in 2003, turned out in 2008, and now I’m a general foreman. Before the IBEW, I was working dead-end jobs. My dad was a carpenter, so I was around the union trades my whole life. Some friends were IBEW electricians and told me about all the perks.
“The trades have turned out to be everything I’d hoped for and more. There’s financial stability for our families, for the present and the future with retirement. And as far as the work goes, the industry is constantly changing, so you learn new skills. I also love working with different types of people. You make new friends, and it makes the job interesting.
“I liked being an installer working with the tools, but as a general foreman, I like the planning process even more. It’s more than just the end result, but seeing what you’ve put together with the build from start to finish. I also enjoy bringing up the next generation of apprentices, teaching them new skills, and seeing their success. I keep in touch with them to see how their apprenticeships and careers go. And that’s what the union is all about.”
Julia Ceja-Alvarado | Prime Electric | 4th-Year Apprentice
“Before the apprenticeship, I was stocking shelves at Costco on the night shift. I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life. I wanted a regular schedule and something more challenging.
The apprenticeship has been just that, and I love it. When I started, I didn’t know there were different types of screwdrivers, and I didn’t know if I could do it. But because of the support of the journeymen, foremen, and instructors, I feel confident working with the tools and hauling 110lb pipes around.
“I feel blessed and learn something new every day. The people are the best part. They really want to teach you and give you that hands-on experience. It feels really good to get your hands dirty and get better. There’s a stereotype that construction workers are grumpy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone is so helpful and patient.
“I’m proud to be IBEW Local 332 and love being in a union. The members come together and speak their minds at the union meetings. People make it the way want it because we can share our ideas openly. Everyone looks out for each other. I want to say thank you to all the journeymen and other apprentices for that. I can’t wait to turn out and pay it forward. I look forward to teaching others the way I’ve been taught. I also want to give a shout-out to my mom and grandma whom I live with. I’m working super hard so they can be proud of me.”
