Q&A with Apprenticeship Coordinator Jesse Barron
In honor of National Apprenticeship Day, IBEW Local 40 is hosting an open house on April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., inviting students and career changers to learn about union electrical work.
Jesse Baron, IBEW Local 40 Training Director and Apprenticeship Coordinator, shared his thoughts on what sets Local 40 apart, from working on major Hollywood projects to free schooling, substantial pay and lifelong camaraderie.
Are you doing anything special for National Apprenticeship Day?
We’re doing an open house on April 30. It’s going to be from 4 to 7 pm. We’re reaching out to the local high schools, continuation schools, and programs like WINTER (Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles), hoping to get a big crowd.
What does the IBEW Local 40 apprenticeship program offer someone as far as opportunity?
The pay, free schooling, benefits, 401K, overall just a better life, a better opportunity.
What makes a local 40 apprenticeship program stand out compared to others?
Our jurisdiction is Hollywood. Right now, one of our big jobs is the Fast & Furious roller coaster at Universal. Getting to work on stuff like that, getting to work on studio lots, that’s what sets us apart.
What kind of things does an apprentice learn?
Everything. You name it, we do it. Underground all the way to setting wall plates in a finished building. They could be touching high-voltage cable. They could be doing sound, tenant improvement, remodel, brand new buildings, core and shell. We do it all.
How is this different than what someone might learn non-union?
What sets us apart is the pay and the brotherhood that the IBEW provides.
What is the union difference?
Just the camaraderie, lifelong friends that you make along the way.
What advice would you give someone interested in becoming an apprentice, making a career change, or joining the Union?
I would say do it, especially if they’re already doing electrical work for non-union. You won’t have to pay for schooling. It’s all free. You’re learning theory while you’re actually working.
Visit https://ibew40.org/apprenticeship to lean more.
