NECA-IBEW Electricians doubled down this year in support of students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at Youngstown State University in the electrical industry. Two students received an LMCC scholarship through the YSU Foundation.
IBEW Local 64 and Mahoning Valley NECA awarded Nick DeLullo a $500 scholarship. Nick’s father, John, is a journeyman at Dickey Electric and a Local 64 member. Nick is studying electrical and electronics engineering.
“We had the extra money available for the scholarship, so we decided to give it to the two best candidates this year,” said Cody Hilliard, business manager, IBEW Local 64.
LMCC scholarship applicants must live in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties, carry a 2.5 GPA at YSU and be studying for a degree that benefits the electrical industry. They must also be affiliated with Local 64 or a signatory electrical contractor in the Mahoning Valley.
Third time’s the charm
It’s a three-peat for Alex Birtalan. He received $1,000 for fitting all the criteria for the scholarship. He’s a junior estimator at Dickey Electric and plans to graduate in fall 2025 with an electrical engineering technology degree.
“If you told me I’d be here four years ago, I wouldn’t believe you. It’s been a heck of a ride,” Birtalan said.
Early in his electrician apprenticeship, he had to pivot on his career plans due to issues with his vision.
“I could’ve just swapped trades – plumbing, carpentry or sheet metal. I decided to stick with it. Eric Carlson hired me, and now I’m almost done with my engineering degree,” he said. “The cards you’re dealt might not be what you want, but you can overcome it.”
Carlson is president of Dickey Electric and has witnessed Birtalan’s growth over the last five years.
“He’s a hard-working, smart young man who’s also stepped up in the community by donating time with United Way. Alex’s future is very bright,” he said.
Professional status
Birtalan’s dedication has put him on a successful path. His entry-level days in the office have morphed into roles on bigger projects.
“Baker Elementary in the Mathews Local Schools is wrapping up. I was also part of the work at the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Fairhaven School.”
Another noteworthy accomplishment is a wastewater project in Boardman and Campbell. After almost two years, it’s nearly finished.
“It was around $2 million and involved installing backup generators for the entire plant. There were four or five in Boardman and two in Campbell,” Birtalan said. “We did a ton of underground work. It was all hands on deck and easily the most stressful of my career, so far.”
With experience under his belt, he also has more freedom to help project managers with their jobs.
Support is everything
As he edges closer to graduation, Birtalan’s grateful for every opportunity and being considered for the LMCC scholarship three years in a row.
“Every little bit helps – especially these days. It’s nice to see that someone is noticing me and what I’m doing.”
He credits a strong support system for helping him on his journey and recognizes it’s something not everyone has. That’s why he tries to encourage the next generation to pursue the electrical trade.
“Electricity is never going away. We’re always going to need new houses, new buildings and substations. There’s also more than just the construction side, too, like cell phones or the new Intel plant. That’s a whole different side of electrical engineering.”
Birtalan talked to students at a recent job fair at United Local- where he graduated. He feels it’s important to be a role model for someone who may not get the same support he’s encountered.
“Between the Dickey crew, and especially my parents, I can’t thank them enough. They’ve helped me tremendously throughout the process.”
NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.