There are a variety of pathways to a rewarding, well-paying career. A college degree is conventional, but it’s not for everyone. Some people enjoy hands-on learning, and a skilled trade like an apprentice electrician, is a route to a great living without incurring much debt. Starting in the electrical trade can be done right out […]
The idea of the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo is to have students get their hands dirty and find a potential career path they wouldn’t have otherwise considered. Nearly 5,000 students flocked to the new event center at the Canfield Fairgrounds between September 20 and 21. This was the fourth year for the event. There […]
With at least two years of classes left in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology, Alex Birtalan has a “can’t-stop-won’t-stop” mentality. For the second year, he received the NECA-IBEW Electricians’ scholarship through the YSU Foundation. Birtalan, 22, of Salem, attends YSU part-time and works as much as possible as a junior estimator at […]
Greenwood Chevrolet EV chargers
There’s a “new” face at the IBEW Local 573 union hall in Champion. On Friday, July 8, Todd Ambrose was sworn in as the new business manager/financial secretary for a three-year term. At the top of his priority list: building on the “brotherhood” aspect of the organization. “I want to put the time and effort […]
While he’s constantly working with his hands, Keith Patton also enjoys a challenge. The second-year apprentice with the Warren Electrical JATC is building on a foundation he established while in the United States Air Force from 2009 to 2017. While serving, Patton was an electrical and hydraulics airplane mechanic, troubleshooting issues on C-5s and C-17s. […]
Last year, two local journeymen electricians made a decision they both agree has been a great move. John Martinelli and Mike Keleman, both represented by IBEW Local 573 in Warren, joined the union in June 2021. They’ve been part of a 12-person team working at the TJX warehouse in Lordstown, most recently working on installing […]
Katie Gintert is in her second year with IBEW Local 573 in Warren. She’s working to complete her inside wireman program. Gintert always liked to build things. She joined Habitat for Humanity in high school, and took wood shop classes. “I knew that I wanted to be hands-on, I knew I wanted construction after being […]
An apprentice with “Joe” Dickey Electric in North Lima, Jeremy Baltes is in his second year of the commercial electrical program with IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown. At 19 years old, he is happy with the decision to pursue a career in the electrical industry, even though he was on the path to go to […]
Erin Pope is going after her dreams. The first-year apprentice with IBEW Local 573 in Warren switched careers and is happier with how her future is shaping. Pope was a veterinary technician for three years prior to her apprenticeship. She went to college and earned a degree, but after giving her career her all, it […]