Davis advises “apprentice-first” legacy for Gale at Warren Electrical JATC
After 29 years as training director at the Warren Electrical JATC, Eric Davis has retired with a legacy reflected in the program and generations of IBEW Local 573 electricians.
Luke Gale, who completed his apprenticeship at the Warren JATC while Davis was training director, has been transitioning into the role for the last several months.
Now living in Poland with his wife and two children, Gale brings firsthand experience with the program he’ll lead and a clear understanding of the standards Davis spent nearly three decades building.
A foundational charge
Davis’ path to training director followed nearly every step the program is designed to create.
“I went through the apprenticeship, worked in the field, served on the apprenticeship committee, became an instructor, and then we needed a training director, and that ended up being me,” Davis said.
Electrical work ran in his family. His grandfather was a charter member of IBEW Local 573, and his father and brother were also electricians.
When Davis became training director, the apprenticeship operated from a building on Parkman Road with essentially one classroom. The space was remodeled to create more room for instruction, but a much larger move was needed.
Davis helped design the current Warren JATC on Research Parkway and stayed closely involved throughout construction before it officially opened in 2007.
As for what he considers the greatest accomplishment of his career?
“Probably the biggest thing – is this training center.”
From there, he shifted the focus to the apprentices.
“Seeing them all come through and go on to a rewarding career, it’s never been about me,” Davis said. “I’ve never wanted it to be about me. I’m just doing something for the industry, trying to give back. To me, it’s always been about the students.”
He’s crossed paths with over 300 apprentices during his tenure. That’s at least 90% of Local 573’s working membership that either had him as an instructor or training director.
A new current of leadership
Davis led the program through changes in how electricians are trained, as well as advances in technology across the industry.
He made hands-on labs a bigger focus, helping apprentices practice skills they may not encounter regularly in the field.
Gale plans to continue that focus as the new training director.
His path to the electrical trade wasn’t a straight line. Before graduating from Youngstown State University, Gale realized his original career plan was not the right fit.
His brother-in-law, who had completed the apprenticeship, encouraged him to consider becoming an electrician. Gale entered the Warren JATC in 2018 and went on to gain commercial and industrial experience in the field.
On jobs outside the area, he realized the reputation Local 573 electricians carry.
“The men and women who come through this program have the potential to do whatever this trade demands. That’s what makes it so great,” Gale said.
After becoming a journeyman, he immediately became an instructor and taught for three years while working full-time in the field.
“Seeing apprentices progress and improve themselves, that was always the most rewarding thing for me.”
Apprentices power Warren Electrical JATC
Teaching made Gale realize he wanted to remain involved in apprentice development.
When the training director position opened, he saw an opportunity to make that commitment his full-time career.
Gale wants to build on the Warren JATC’s hands-on training and high standards while continuing the people-centered approach that defined Davis’ leadership.
“Putting the apprentice first is my number one priority because somebody needs to represent them and make sure they’re being taken care of,” he said.
Gale also recognizes the strength of the program he officially inherits on July 27.
“Eric has done a great job with everything. He’s built this from the ground up, and he’s handing me a great program to carry forward.”
NECA-IBEW Electricians makes up a highly trained union workforce in the area. We’re an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.
