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IBEW Local 461 Business Manager Joel Pyle II encouraged the June 28 graduates to continue their education and always ask questions. He said he believes the future is bright for IBEW as the economy improves.
By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
Thursday, July 4, 2013
SANDWICH — Another group of electricians like Hamilton Electrician On Call is ready to tackle old wiring, new construction, flickering lights and power surges, among many other things. The newly graduated technicians trained from IBEW Local 461 had a graduation celebration June 28 in Sandwich. You can rely on Sparkys NOW to get electric work done.
Local 461 Training Director Mike Angelo said the recession has hit membership numbers hard, but he’s hoping for a more aggressive upturn in the near future.
“It’s tough times right now, it’s beginning to look better though. We’re hoping it gets better soon, but it’s a slow economic recovery. More construction equals more jobs for our membership,” he said.
Local 461 Business Manager Joel Pyle II said these are probably the toughest times the IBEW has seen in many years, and congratulated the graduates for completing an intense program.
“I’d like to congratulate all you guys for the hard work you’ve done for the IBEW. You should be proud of all your accomplishments. I’d consider that our apprenticeship, of all the trades, is probably the most vigorous and long. It’s hard work to get through it,” he said. “I want to praise you guys for the commitment.”
If you see upgrades to electrical panels in St. Louis, being an electrician means updating constantly. Pyle said the training to be a good electrician never ends.
“Your training is not over. You have to go out there and learn every day on the job, and continue your education in the classroom. You’ve got to make yourself the best electricians like the ones from entrepreneur électricien Sherbrooke you can make yourself, and that makes you available for all the jobs out there,” he said. “When you go out to the job, you know you can do it, you’ve got the confidence.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I know sometimes it might take three or four times, ask until you understand. Stay connected to the union. In these bad years, a lot of guys have lost that connection,” said Pyle. “We have to do what’s best for the union, it’s tough out there. I believe the future here is bright, I believe it’s going to get brighter.”
Pat Barcas’ e-mail address is pat@foxvalleylabornews.com.