It’s National Apprenticeship Week!
What better way to celebrate than to highlight some of our very own? We recently interviewed 7 of our apprentices to learn more about their personal and professional journeys as apprentices. We are proud to partner with these four organizations across the region WECA, ABC Norcal, PHCC, and ACTA.
What We Learned
Here’s the top advice we heard consistently from our team and the THREE biggest takeaways for someone considering a career in the trades:
- Find a mentor or friend in the industry
- Don’t be afraid to try something new
- If you love to work with your hands, you’ll probably love a career in the trades
Meet Our Apprentices
Name: Bryce Hendren, WECA Electrical Apprentice
Tenure with Mark III: 2.5 years
Q: So far, what has been your favorite thing about your experience as an apprentice?
A: Experiencing different types of work, including tilt-ups, substations, and retro lifts.
Name: Nathan Markham, PHCC Apprentice
Tenure with Mark III: 2 years
Q: What sparked your interest in the skilled trades?
A: A friend.
Name: Richard Ayala
Tenure with Mark III: 2 years
Q: What sparked your interest in the skilled trades?
A: I’ve always been interested in the trades. I was just afraid of failing but finally just took a chance I’m glad I did. I love what I do.
Name: Skyler Cloninger, WECA Electrical Apprentice
Tenure with Mark III: 2 years
Q: What sparked your interest in the skilled trades?
A: I’ve always been a hands-on worker, and being a mechanic couldn’t support the lifestyle I wanted to live. I was very good at wiring up cars, so I thought, why not wire up houses? So I changed my path and became an electrician.
Name: Salvador Martinez, PHCC Apprentice
Tenure with Mark III: 1.5 years
Q: So far, what has been your favorite thing about your experience as an apprentice?
A: One of my favorite things would be being able to learn something new every day. There is not a day where I don’t learn something no matter how big or small. Also, knowing this was the beginning of a future all decided on how I apply myself to the trade.
Name: Dalton Schmidt, PHCC Apprentice
Tenure with Mark III: 2.5 years
Q: What sparked your interest in the skilled trades?
A: Something about seeing something that you made with your own 2 hands gave me a sense of pride and it made me want to keep going
Name: Arturo Melgoza, PHCC Apprentice
Tenure with Mark III: 1 month
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering a career in the trades?
A: Keep an open mind, be willing to accept constructive criticism, and don’t be afraid of hard work.