John Thomas Sexton, a first-year electrical apprentice at Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) – Chesapeake in Laurel, Maryland, has big aspirations. Being a Registered Apprentice sets him on track to achieve many of his career goals, such as working his way up through the ranks of a construction company and becoming a project manager. He dreams of one day owning his own construction or commercial electrical company.
John began his apprenticeship journey with IEC after his father told him about the IEC School-to-Apprenticeship program while they were searching for skilled trades career pathways. John noted, “I like to work with my hands, so I wanted to go into a trade. In my junior year of high school, I took physics, which gave me a window into electrical, which helped solidify my decision to go into electrical.” He’s now seven months into his program, working for Bopat Electrical. “From day one, they have a job; they are employed. People pay you to go to school, which is a big benefit of being in an apprenticeship,” said IEC Instructor Sarah High.
IEC represents over 150 independent electrical contractors, vendors, and distributors across Maryland. Each apprentice works for one of IEC’s members and completes their yearly on-the-job training (OJT) while receiving an hourly wage. As an IEC apprentice, John also benefits from the top-notch curriculum, which is recognized as one of the nation’s best teaching tools for electrical apprentices. His related instruction involves an industry-recognized electrical curriculum, learning through a hands-on, interactive experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, and learning from professional instructors at his local IEC Training Center.
John is happy to pursue the RA Program (RAP), knowing that, even if his dream of owning his own commercial construction company doesn’t happen, entering the program was the right decision for him. “As a Registered Apprentice, you open the door to countless opportunities. Even if you don’t pursue electrical, you will take the values of hard work and problem-solving with you into your future career and personal life. The values and skills I’m learning as an apprentice will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Overall, John’s success story as a Registered Apprentice with IEC highlights the numerous benefits of the program, including hands-on experience, a top-notch curriculum, and countless career opportunities. The program sets him on track to achieving his career goals and instills valuable skills and principles that will stay with him for a lifetime.
Industry Intermediary Contact: John Shortt, john.shortt@netamerica.net
Apprentice: John Sexton
Industry Intermediary: net.America
Industry: Construction
Employer: Bopat Electrical
Sponsor: IEC Chesapeake
Publish Date: 11/07/2023
Original source: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/success-stories/launching-your-career-youth-apprentice
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