Faces of the Trade: Arnold’s electrical career is surging with hustle and heart
Deciding on an electrical career was a big, first step, for Isaac Arnold, but he has the grit, patience and determination to build a solid future.
The 22-year-old Lowellville native, now a third-year apprentice, didn’t waste time after high school. He had his sights set on being an electrician and got the nudge from a family member.
“My brother was in the program, and he talked about how it gave you real experience, so I figured I’d try it,” Arnold said.
Turning rejection into resilience
At 18, he applied for the apprenticeship with IBEW Local 64, but with hundreds of applicants, he didn’t get in on the first try.
He wasn’t giving up, though. Arnold ended up taking an entry-level role pulling low-voltage cable for a contractor. It was a chance to prove that he was serious about entering the electrical trade.
“It was something to get my foot in the door. I knew I had to show I was worth bringing in.”
Two years later, he got the call he was waiting for and was accepted into the apprenticeship program.
Since then, Arnold has steadily progressed in both experience and pay and is currently an apprentice with MG Electric.
His most recent project includes the new Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission building on Belmont Avenue. He’s also worked on the Youngstown Business Incubator renovations, Mercy Health and Lifepoint Rehabilitation Hospital, Brilex Industries, Youngstown City Schools, and many other area businesses and buildings.
Showing up and not giving up
Arnold grew up in a working-class family and had an early understanding of what it meant to hustle.
“There’s a level of grit you need to come to work every day and prove yourself. I’m the guy at 7 a.m. asking a million questions,” he laughed. “But that’s how you learn. You’ve got to be inquisitive and own your mistakes.”
Bob Mass, journeyman with MG Electric and former instructor at the Youngstown Area JATC, had Arnold in class and said he always stood out.
“He was never a troublemaker – just full of questions,” Mass said. “That’s exactly what you want. He pays attention and gives it his best.”
From learning how to run conduit to rewiring full systems, Arnold says the trade keeps him mentally engaged and challenged every day.
“It’s rewarding to work with your hands and think through problems. One day might be more physical, and the next could be problem-solving. No two days are the same.”
That dedication was put to the test one winter day when a vehicle hit a pole outside a Warren nursing home and caused an outage.
Arnold worked a lengthy shift to help restore power in freezing conditions.
“It was snowing, the ground was frozen, and we had to redo everything, but we got it done.”
Building an electrical career, balancing life
Now in his third year of the five-year commercial/industrial program, Arnold is focused on improving his skills and setting himself up for the future. The apprenticeship has built his confidence, experience and financial stability.
“When I started out pulling cable, I made about $10 an hour. Now, I’m up to $25 an hour. It’s not all about money, but it definitely helps to be able to build the life you want.”
For him, that includes traveling. With steady work and smart saving, Arnold has already taken a few trips and plans to do more exploring down the road.
He credits electrical contractors and IBEW leadership for treating him with respect and giving him the tools to succeed.
“The guys I work with look out for me. I might still be an apprentice, but they treat me like a human being. That means everything,” he said.
Arnold knows the trade isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to commit, it opens doors.
“You’re not just waiting for the day to end. You’re learning, building something, doing work that matters,” he said. “If you have the drive, this trade can take you anywhere.”
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.
