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Veteran and Apprentice Spotlight: Pedro Andrade

Wednesday, November 20, 2019


Some Apprentices and Electrician Trainees come to WECA already equipped with some electrical experience - like United States Marine Corps veteran and Commercial Apprentice Pedro Andrade, who accumulated electrical work experience while serving as a Corporal in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006 to 2010.

And after some time spent back stateside, Andrade decided to capitalize on his prior electrical experience with the Corps and found work with a WECA Member Contractor.

"I was lucky enough to work for a WECA Member Contractor," Andrade said. "And I was able to hear of WECA through the anecdotes of my fellow coworkers who were enrolled, and the journeymen who had graduated from WECA. After this, the decision [to apply to become a WECA apprentice] was a no-brainer."

As Andrade has progressed throughout his Apprenticeship, he's reflected upon his journey from the Corps to WECA.

"Serving in the military definitely instilled a work ethic in me, and I am grateful for that. Also, understanding leadership and what it takes [to succeed] makes me follow orders until I'm ready to lead in this field," Andrade said.

Andrade continued, stating that "I would 100 percent recommend for other vets to get into this trade and succeed."

But Andrade's advice isn't just limited to veterans - it's for everyone.

"My piece of advice for any newcomers is this: stay motivated and remember why you are here."