On Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, Lieutenant General Ronald Bailey gave the keynote address at NECA’s 2024 Apprentice Appreciation Day. Other speakers included Jeremy Abrams, business manager, IBEW Union Local 569; Kevin Johnson, director/CFO, Electrical Training Institute San Diego & Imperial Counties; Andy Berg, executive director, San Diego Chapter, NECA; Todd Stafford, executive director, Electrical Training Alliance; and Steve Richman, CEO, TTI. The session was moderated by Pete Mastrorocco, NECA’s senior vice president of education, events and partnerships. The speakers hit on themes of self-reliance, integrity and discipline as key to the future of electrical industry professionals.
Apprentices were congratulated for their work ethic during a crucial time in the industry, as fiber technology moves forward and grid advancements roll out by the minute. Speakers also advised apprentices to stay sharp, performing their duties with purpose and awareness. Lt. Gen. Bailey joined the chorus.
Before the big event, however, we interviewed Lt. Gen. Bailey about the most important pieces of advice he intended to give to apprentices.
What is the most important thing for apprentices to remember in 2024?
Safety, accountability (or responsibility) and competence. Safety is so significant and important because it determines the environment. When we’re not considering the things that could jeopardize life, it encourages carelessness. That’s what we don’t want to be.
Accountability is a fundamental principle of leadership. I’m accountable for myself, my team and the industry. We have to be thinking about our workplace behaviors and habits and how those influence our personal and professional reputations. As an individual, I want to be accountable for my actions, paying attention and doing the right thing. In this profession, when we talk about the electrification of America, it’s serious. We’ve affected a tremendous amount of change throughout history with this technology, and we have to be accountable for the job being completed within codes and standards.
Being competent is knowing your stuff. And that starts in the apprenticeship—paying attention, doing your homework and following through on practical application. Most importantly, it’s about a positive attitude. When you have a positive attitude, everybody wants to be around you and work with you. It’s a force multiplier because it spreads through the organization.
What have you been thinking about as you’ve prepared to be the keynote speaker for Apprentice Appreciation Day?
What I’ve been thinking about is the electrification of America, and how we as an industry are short electricians. A large percentage of baby boomers are leaving the work force, which is leaving a gap. We’ve got to fill that gap. Years and years of experience and expertise are going out the door, so we’ve got to be willing to step in and say, ‘I’m going to do my part to help the shortfall that exists.’ We can’t buy our way out of a shortfall. We’ve got to grow our way out of a shortfall.
How are apprenticeships different today than they were say, 30 years ago?
Technology and innovation. I remember seeing wind turbines when I used to drive through the West Coast, but now I see more solar and wind and innovations all over the country. Look at the car. Electricians, not mechanics, are the ones looking at cars and telling us how they’re going to work.
The people are different. As a baby boomer, I can say that we used to get a job and follow it through to retirement. Generations X, Y and Z see life more fluidly. They ask questions, and they want to know why things are the way they are.
How can apprentices plan for the future today?
Engage like a sponge. Learn as much as you can so that you can put something in your kitbag. Create value. Be committed and dedicated. The electrical industry wants you to show up on time, know your stuff and go out and do your job. That’s what I’ve learned traveling all up and down the country listening to contractors, chapter managers, electricians, apprentices and journeymen.
I’ll close out and say this— it’s the apprentice’s job to seize the moment.
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