January | Nick Squatritto | 5th Year
“Before the apprenticeship, I was a machinist. I always wanted to do electrical and had friends in the IBEW. They finally got me to take the jump, and it’s been an amazing opportunity because the program is so well-organized.
“I’m part of the ‘Covid class’ and came into the program when school was on Zoom. We’ve come a long way, and the hands-on training in the last couple years has been amazing. It’s pretty neat that we’ll become familiar with a skill in the labs and then apply our knowledge directly in the field.
“I’m at Blocka Construction, and the journeymen have been awesome and so supportive. Right now I’m building a wastewater treatment plant. As someone who was born and raised in San Jose, it’s neat that I’m building infrastructure for the community. I’ve also built a few schools and love showing my nieces and nephews that the lights are on, in part, because of my work.
“I was caught off guard by the Apprentice of the Month Award. Going from being a machinist, giving it my all, and then to be recognized feels like a real accomplishment. I want to express my gratitude for the program and the brother- and sisterhood. To do a career jump in my 30s has been life changing, and it’s only going up from here!”
February | Brian Dalla | 5th Year
“Before the apprenticeship, I was in the army for 10 years. I did two tours in Afghanistan and was also stationed in Qatar. I’m proud of my time there, but 10 years was enough. I took a few months off to re-enter civilian life, and then my brother got me a job a Pfeiffer Electric as a Material Handler. Pretty soon after I applied and got into the apprenticeship, and I love it.
“I’m a mechanically inclined person, and I can’t sit at a desk. I got my first tool box as a child. It comes naturally, and it’s in my genes. Our scope of work is so broad, it’s easy to stay busy, and there’s always something to learn because tech is always changing. As long as you put in the effort and they see that you’re growing, it opens up doors, and it’s never ending. It’s definitely one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.
“I like the pace of the work environment and the attitude. No matter what kind of day you had yesterday, it’s a new day today. I like being in the union: We’re represented well, and there’s solidarity all the way from the school to the hall. It’s a blessing to be part of such a strong brother- and sisterhood where people work together, look out for each other, and succeed. We’re all here for the same reason, and it just fits for me.”
March | Wendel Mojica | 5th Year
“Before the apprenticeship, I was working at Costco and helping my uncle’s painting business. Then I was a Material Handler from 2015-2018, when I applied to get into the apprenticeship. It’s amazing and has been life-changing. It’s given me the building blocks to a new career but also helped me in life.
“I’ve felt the dedication of the journeymen in the way they encourage and motivate you. I’ve never met people so willing to share their experiences to help me. It’s brotherly! The word I’ve learned in the union is camaraderie; we’re not just there for work, we’re there for each other. It’s very encouraging to have people go above and beyond so that you have a positive outcome.
“Right now I’m with Cupertino Electric. I love it, and I’ve had nothing but great experiences. It’s very diverse: There are a lot of different types of people, different ages, different backgrounds, and different mindsets. It helps with the learning curve. I’m grateful to the program, the union, the instructors, and the journeymen in the field.
“The union is helping me provide for my family. I’ve got four kids, so there’s been a lot of diapers. We can live comfortably, and the union provides stability. I look forward to giving back.”
April | Mike Gomez | 5th Year
“The apprenticeship has been something unexpected in a good way. It’s very exciting to learn new things and grow. I also love working with journeymen and feeding off their knowledge.
“Before the apprenticeship, I was a custodian at a high school for two years. My father-in-law and wife are both electricians as well. After hearing their conversations, going to their union events, and seeing how great their career are, I gave it a shot, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Winning the award gives me reassurance that I’m doing a good job.
“In the trades, every day is a new challenge, and you’re never going to have the same day as before. I love using my mind to be creative, think of a plan, and put something together with my hands.
“Being union is great. We all back each other up and take care of one another. It’s a national brother- and sisterhood. When I go to a different city and wear my 332 t-shirt, people will yell out about how they’re an IBEW brother too. It’s really cool that you always run into other IBEW members. I’m really glad to be a part of this local union and can’t wait to see what the future holds for me after I turn out. I’m excited!”
May | Johnny Ho | 5th Year
“My parents always said the only path to a fruitful career was going to college. So I went and got a bachelor’s in electrical engineering. But when I finished, I jumped ship when I found out about the apprenticeship, and I’m really happy where I am.
“The apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity. I feel like the trade is a hidden gem and not many people know about it. But when you’re in it, you love it. I can’t imagine my life differently.
“I like working with my hands and challenging my mind at the same time. I’ve always been kinda stir crazy. I like being able to move around, channeling my energy toward something. I also love having the skills to do things myself. It’s really rewarding when you come home at the end of the day and know you’ve built something.
“My parents were iffy the first year, but now they are proud because they see that with the IBEW you make a good living and you get set up with healthcare and retirement. I’m the first one of my friends to be able to afford to buy a home. There’s also room for growth. There’s potential to become a foreman, general foreman, project manager, or estimator. My favorite part is every day is never the same day: from power to lighting to one-line to underground, there’s always a new challenge. I’m a big advocate for the trades. It’s rewarding and the money speaks for itself.”
