Local 64 apprentice picnic sparks pride and progress
The annual IBEW Local 64 apprentice picnic brought more than 40 attendees from the Youngstown Area Electrical JATC together to recognize a year of hard work, celebrate program completers and strengthen connections across the trade.
The event was held on June 4 at the Youngstown Shrine Club pavilion in North Lima. The relaxed environment allows apprentices to gather outside the classroom and job site and enjoy a catered dinner.
Apprenticeship instructors, representatives from signatory NECA-IBEW electrical contractors and NECA Mahoning Valley Executive Director Chris Sammarone also attended.
The picnic offered a moment of reflection for Youngstown Area Electrical JATC training director Ahren Peplow, who’s been in the role for a year and a-half.
“Apprentices are more comfortable coming to me for advice now than they used to be,” Peplow said.
He makes open communication a priority and wants apprentices to know they have support when challenges or questions come up.
“They know the door is always open.”
The energy of achievement
Apprentices who completed the three-year residential and five-year commercial/industrial programs were recognized and given certificates of achievement.
Awards for “Apprentice of the Year” were also given to James Violette for residential and Kirklin Grahovac for commercial/industrial. Both were chosen by the JATC based on their outstanding work in the field and in the classroom.
Every apprentice was also entered into a raffle for the chance to win a host of other tools and gear that was donated for the picnic.
IBEW Local 64 leadership believes the event is a good reminder that being in the trade is more than just training – it’s about belonging.
“This picnic gives apprentices a chance to step back, celebrate what they’ve accomplished and see the support system around them,” said Cody Hilliard, business manager, IBEW Local 64. “They’re building a career, but they’re also becoming part of something bigger than themselves.”
Kirklin Grahovac
Charging toward a bright future
The Youngstown JATC continues to build momentum under Peplow’s leadership. He’s been busy trying to understand where apprentices need support and where training can be strengthened.
For example, he instituted a year-end final. The purpose wasn’t to add pressure – but to help shape more meaningful hands-on learning.
“It was mainly to see where they’re at, and see where they need help, so I can take the summer to design labs around where they struggle,” Peplow said.
The JATC has been focusing on improving and upgrading lab areas for a more practical experience with equipment and systems apprentices are likely to see in the field.
“I have a bunch of my instructors really stepping up, coming in, building labs and taking time to work on this,” he said.
With 18 new first-year apprentices, Peplow points to the continued growing interest in the electrical trade.
“It’s a pretty large class – nine residential and nine inside – and they’re all out to work,” he said. “We also have women and veterans in the group. It’s a really solid class.”
Amid Local 64’s progress, it all points to a much larger goal.
“We’re not only celebrating apprentices who put in the work this year, we’re making sure the next generation of electricians will succeed,” Peplow said.
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.
