Brent Sisson, Northern California Low Voltage Apprenticeship Valedictorian
Please join us in congratulating Brent Sisson, the WECA Northern California Class of 2025 Low Voltage Apprenticeship Valedictorian, on his accomplishment!
Brent’s apprenticeship journey began with a tip from his father-in-law, who was the first to suggest he look into WECA.
Brent says that his WECA apprenticeship education has helped him learn proper terminology and code requirements for the jobsite, while his on-the-job training with WECA Member Contractor Howell Multimedia helped him figure out how to interpret what a foreman wants an employee to do, and in what manner.
Brent also attributes his success in his apprenticeship program to being studious and working well with classmates.
Brent encourages apprentices still on their journey to “Stick to the program and see it out. Don’t give up halfway. Apply yourself to every task you’re given. Most importantly, ask questions before making mistakes!”
Moving forward, Brent, who has already achieved California State Certification as a Voice Data Video Technician, plans to also pursue certification in Fire Life Safety and Residential Electrical.
Congratulations, Brent, on your graduation and Low Voltage Valedictorian accomplishment! We are glad that your WECA apprenticeship has provided a solid foundation for you to continue building your career upon, and look forward to your contributions to our industry!
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Chris Boles, Northern California Electrician Trainee Program Valedictorian
WECA congratulates Chris Boles, our Northern California Class of 2025 Electrician Trainee Valedictorian, on his achievement!
As an Electrician Trainee, Chris appreciated that WECA’s Electrician Trainee Program was easy to manage alongside a full-time job with his employer, Precision Electric, saying he never felt overwhelmed with balancing work and school.
“Working for Precision Electric while doing WECA helped me put two and two together,” said Chris. “Being able to learn about electrical and use that knowledge in field applications helped my progression into the trade. I started this trade with no experience and to be able to use the knowledge in the field right away as I was progressing with WECA also progressed me further into the company and built my confidence in the field.”
We asked Chris what advice he has for students still in the program, and his advice included “Use the platform to its fullest potential. If you take the time to study and look over everything they provide, you'll succeed in the program and realize how much easier the material will become to you. Ask questions! If you don't understand a subject or the material being under review, don't be afraid to ask the instructor for clarification. Sometimes that might mean staying after hours for a few minutes, but they will answer your questions. They are there for you to succeed. Lastly, work with your peers, you are all there for the same goal and you can all help each other succeed.
Last, but not least, Chris credited his success to his girlfriend, Cassie, his WECA instructors, and the entire WECA support team. “Cassie had the patience for me to do my schoolwork and would continually support me in finishing it. I would also like to shout out all of WECA. The team at WECA is great. They are always responsive to any concerns or problems via phone call or email. The in-person lab classes were also great; it helped put a face to some of the classmates and instructors. Lastly, the instructors at WECA are amazing, I didn't get a chance to meet all of them, but they all treated me with the same level of professionalism. The instructors always put in the extra effort that helped me succeed in the program.” Chris adds that he also benefitted from having a coworker that went through WECA, and that “he helped push me into starting the program and also kept up on progress to see how I was doing.”
After graduation, Chris is determined to keep pushing the limits of his skill and knowledge. “There is so much growth in electrical that I want to keep pushing the limits and my success. But most of all, I’m planning on getting a nice big yard for my best boy Hazy, who is a 16-month-old Golden Retriever.”
Congratulations, Chris, on your success and Electrician Trainee Program Valedictorian achievement! Thank you for sharing your tips for success with fellow and future students. WECA wishes you a long and successful electrical career and for a big backyard for Hazy!
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Jackson Hermoso, Northern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Salutatorian
Congratulations are in order for Jackson Hermoso, the WECA Northern California Class of 2025 Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program Salutatorian!
Jackson, an employee of WECA Member Contractor Vasko Electric, Inc., fondly looked back on his WECA apprenticeship as “a great experience I’m happy to have had” and specifically shared praise for recently-retired Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship instructor Zach Wallace, saying that Zach was “an awesome teacher who I can’t thank enough for preparing me for my licensing exam … Zach, I hope you’re enjoying your next chapter!”
“WECA gave me not only the code knowledge, but also the practical knowledge to be successful in the electrical trade. And my on-the-job training helped me apply the things that I learned at WECA to actual installations that we do in the field,” said Jackson.
Jackson's tenacity and engagement with his work and studies also contributed to his Commercial Electrical Salutatorian achievement. For apprentices still in the program, Jackson recommends that “You’re only going to get out of the program what you put into it,” said Jackson. “If you’re not engaged in class or on-the-job, then you’re depriving yourself of the knowledge and the tools you need to be successful.”
Post-graduation, Jackson wants to continue building his career at Vasko Electric, Inc. and work toward solid career milestones.
“I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to move into the office [at Vasko] as project engineer, and hopefully I can move into project management in the future,” said Jackson.
Congratulations, Jackson, on diligently working your way toward your Salutatorian achievement and your project engineer position at Vasko Electric, Inc.! We can tell that your work ethic will continue to take you far.
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Braeden Stroman, Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Valedictorian
Please join us in congratulating Braeden Stroman, the WECA Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2025 Valedictorian, on his achievement!
During his apprenticeship, Braeden worked for WECA Member Contractor Bergelectric.
“The WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program gave me the opportunity to learn both in the classroom and in the field. I appreciate the hands-on training over the past five years to help prepare me for any situation on a job site. The on-the-job training I received through Bergelectric was nothing more than great, especially getting to work with every aspect a commercial electrician would face: from underground, decks, finished trim, and everything in between,” Braeden said.
Braeden cited self-discipline, ability to remain focused and on-task, and asking classmates for help to understand topics better and to learn from each other’s in-the-field experiences as contributing factors to his Valedictorian achievement.
“The experience you get not just in class but in the field will teach you life lessons that will make you into a better and more productive employee and future leader,” Braeden said.
Braeden’s support system also helped him achieve his Valedictorian designation.
“I’d like to thank those who helped me get here: my beautiful girlfriend and daughter, my parents and brother, the foremen and leaders at Bergelectric, my fellow classmates, and the instructors and staff at WECA,” Braeden said.
In the future, Braeden plans to further his education to “lean into a career of higher responsibilities like a foreman or an estimating position.”
Congratulations on your hard work and accomplishment, Braeden! Thank you for continually demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and eagerness to learn in the WECA Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program. We look forward to seeing you continue to make your mark in the Southern California commercial electrical industry!
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Caleb Johansen, Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Salutatorian
We’re excited to congratulate Caleb Johansen, the WECA Southern California Class of 2025 Commercial Electrical Salutatorian!
Caleb has worked for WECA Member Contractor Bergelectric since beginning his apprenticeship in 2020 and characterized his apprenticeship as “an adventure” because he completed the first year of the classroom and lab portion of his apprenticeship online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to his apprenticeship, Caleb served as an artilleryman in the Marine Corps. His Marine Corps experience greatly influenced his success in the Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program.
“[The Marine Corps is] where I learned the importance of discipline, leadership, teamwork, and how to be a better version of myself,” Caleb said. “I was able to apply the attributes I learned from my time in service to my education at WECA.”
These attributes, particularly teamwork, served Caleb well on-the-job with Bergelectric.
“I had many great journeymen to teach me and to push me to be a better electrician,” Caleb said.
The discipline that Caleb learned during his time in the Marine Corps also carried over to the classroom portion of his apprenticeship.
“Pay attention in class, especially to things you don’t think you are going to use in the field. I can’t tell you how many times I thought something we were learning was pointless, when in reality, I would end up using that information later on,” Caleb said.
Outside of the classroom and job site, Caleb’s support system helped ensure his success in the apprenticeship program.
“I’d like to give a shout-out to my classmates who made coming to school entertaining and fun, and to my wife, Hannah, for being by my side and supporting me this whole time,” Caleb said. “Most importantly, I’d like to thank God for giving me all that I have and everything I’ve needed these past five years.”
Caleb looks forward to continuing his career with Bergelectric after graduation and leveling up in the trade.
Congratulations on your graduation and accomplishment, Caleb! From the Marine Corps to apprenticeship and beyond, you have consistently shown up and bettered yourself, which will continue to serve you well in your career!
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Eric Huerta, Southern California Low Voltage Apprenticeship Valedictorian
Congratulations to Eric Huerta, the WECA Southern California Class of 2025 Low Voltage Apprenticeship Valedictorian, on this accomplishment!
Eric, who worked for WECA Member Contractor Bergelectric during his apprenticeship, credited his achievement to WECA giving him a strong foundation in electrical theory and practical skills, and to his consistency, dedication to learning, and the ability to apply classroom instruction and hands-on training to real-life situations.
“My on-the-job training has prepared me for my career by giving me real-world experience working alongside journeymen and other professionals in the field. This hands-on experience built my confidence, sharpened my skills, and prepared me to succeed as a professional technician,” said Eric.
Eric advised apprentices to stay dedicated and patient and to take advantage of every learning opportunity during their apprenticeships.
“Ask questions, listen to experienced technicians, show up ready to work, and have a good attitude and take pride in your work,” Eric said.
Eric’s success was also made possible by his robust support system.
“I want to thank Jehovah God for giving me the strength, guidance, and perseverance to make it through this journey. I also want to thank my wife for her love, support, and encouragement every step of the way. I couldn’t have done it without her,” Eric said.
Eric’s apprenticeship program may be complete, but his dedication to learning remains.
“I plan to continue in the low voltage field and continue progressing and learning more. I want to work toward receiving more certifications from different organizations, such as BICSI, to move my way up the ladder,” Eric said.
Congratulations, Eric! Thank you for exemplifying excellence in the WECA Low Voltage Apprenticeship program. Your dedication to teamwork and continuous learning and improvement will continue to propel you toward a rewarding and exemplary career in the low voltage electrical field!
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Jose Rodriguez, Southern California Electrician Trainee Program Salutatorian
Congratulations to Jose Rodriguez, the Salutatorian of the WECA Southern California Class of 2025 Electrician Trainee Certificate Program!
Jose, who works for WECA Member Contractor Sunrun, says that his Electrician Trainee Program coursework and on-the-job experience has prepared him for his career by helping him understand and navigate the code book, and by providing variety and the ability to learn something new every day.
Jose credits his accomplishment to “God and second, my lady Itzel, for her patience, support, and endurance” and encourages others WECA Electrician Trainees to “be consistent with your homework, don’t be afraid to ask questions you don’t know the answer to, and be open-minded and willing to learn from your own mistakes and others’ mistakes.”
After graduation, Jose plans to continue working with Sunrun, and seek out the continued opportunities that his electrician certification provides.
Congratulations, Jose! Your tenacity and curiosity are integral to continuing to craft a successful career in the electrical industry and serve as inspiration to current and future Electrician Trainees alike. We look forward to your continued accomplishments in California’s electrical industry!