Faces of the Trade: Hawkins writes his electrical career into existence
On an active job site in Salem, Joey Hawkins is not only laying the groundwork for a new senior living community, but also his future.
Hawkins, 22, is a third-year apprentice with IBEW Local 64 and is currently working with Santon Electric at the future Shepherd of the Valley facility.
He’s found solid footing in a career that wasn’t even on his radar a few years ago.
“I tested into college during high school, but when it came time to commit, I knew it wasn’t for me, so I didn’t go,” he said.
A paper with powerful influence
Hawkins was about to wire a new path. A career exploration writing assignment during his senior year at Crestview High School sent him in a different direction.
“The teacher had us email people in the job we wanted to pursue, so I learned about the options in electrical and decided on that.”
Hawkins also later connected with Dave McGoogan, a foreman at Dickey Electric, who was able to give him advice about becoming an electrician. He and McGoogan’s son went to school together.
Before graduating, Hawkins applied for the Local 64 apprenticeship, passed the test and was offered the residential program. However, he declined because he wanted to go the commercial/industrial route.
Energized and wired to succeed
Until that could happen, Hawkins went into the Construction/Wireman (CW) program for about a year, with some of that time at CR Electric before receiving the call he was waiting for.
“I remember I was working in a house, and the training director called to offer me a spot. I said ‘yes’ right away. That was a great day!”
He remained with CR Electric as a first-year apprentice and then spent some time working for University Electric after that.
Now, halfway through his third year, Hawkins has settled in with Santon Electric and is enjoying the problem-solving side of electrical work and the variety of the job.
“No day is the same. Even if you’re at the same job, you’re always doing something different, and there are always challenges” he said.
He’s also quick to mention being surrounded by great people.
“When you’ve got a solid crew, it makes the workday better. You enjoy who you’re around, and the job runs smoother.”
This is Hawkins’ second, large-scale project since he started the apprenticeship. He also worked on the Mercy Health Behavioral Hospital on Belmont Avenue in Youngstown.
The Shepherd of the Valley construction is in the very early stages. He’s been running underground conduit and setting up the transformer vault that will provide power to the buildings.
Ryan Lane, foreman with Santon Electric, said Joey shows up ready to learn and work.
“He listens, he asks the right questions, and he puts in the effort. That’s what we want in an apprentice,” Lane said. “Joey’s on the right track.”
A solid ground in the electrical trade
Although college is one pathway to success, Hawkins is proof that the electrical trade offers great opportunities.
“I was always told to go to college to make a good living. But honestly, this was the better route for me. I’m learning, I’m getting paid, and I’m not in debt.”
Hawkins also has a younger brother who may be following in his footsteps, and he wants to set a good example.
“I tell him not to worry about being perfect at math or knowing every detail. I was nervous, too. You just have to stick with it.”
He extends that message to other young people considering the electrical trade after high school.
“If you want to do something hands-on, and like seeing your progress every day, this is a great career. It’s challenging but rewarding work.”
Hawkins emphasized the financial stability that can come with being an apprentice. His pay increases each year in the program, and there are benefits and a retirement plan.
“I can still do the things I enjoy and save money.”
He spends some of his free time dirt bike riding with his friends. For now, Hawkins wants to stay local and focus on building his career. However, he doesn’t rule out exploring other opportunities in the future.
“You can take this trade pretty much anywhere. The IBEW gives you stability and the flexibility to go where the work is.”
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.
