WECA first-year Low Voltage Apprentice Alondra Mora initially aspired to become a construction worker when she enrolled in a Career Technical Education (CTE) class during her junior year at Clovis High School. But when an electrical unit was introduced into the curriculum, there was a ‘spark’ for Mora – which led to her subsequently enrolling in an electrical systems class during her senior year.
“It was interesting because it’s not like I decided ‘I definitely want to do this for the rest of my life’”, said Mora. “Rather, I realized that I really liked the work, enjoyed it, and never dreaded it – I would just think to myself, ‘I want to know more about this.’ And there was always something new to learn and it was the only thing that motivated me to go to school the next day.”
And after graduation, Mora enrolled in WECA’s Low Voltage Apprenticeship program with Member Contractor Sebastian.
“I chose to do a WECA Apprenticeship because everything about it is so much better than going to college for a couple of years, coming out with a bunch of debt, and then still having to look for a company to hire you. Going through an Apprenticeship, they are paying you to learn and you don’t have anything to lose or owe for simply giving it a shot. So I gave it a shot – and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Mora.
Further, Mora stated that she specifically chose to be a low voltage apprentice because “low voltage works the most with telephone systems, cameras, computers, and all the fun stuff that would catch my attention.”
Mora has only been on the job with Sebastian for a short time, but she’s picked new things up quickly and has had fun doing it, too!
“I’ve learned several things so far – like how to put conduit up and tips and tricks on how to complete work more efficiently,” said Mora, “but my favorite thing to work on is the telephone systems. I messed around with those a lot more in my electrical systems class which gave me pretty good insight on how this industry is and how it runs … but the telephone systems are the most fun for me. I’m not so sure why, but I definitely enjoy working on them.”
Being on the job has also given Mora unique insight into what it’s like to be a female in the low voltage industry.
“So far, it’s been really good and fun; I haven’t had any problems or clashes with any of the guys. I love going to work and I really enjoy working with my coworkers,” said Mora.
Mora’s insight doesn’t stop there, though. She also dispensed wise advice to those currently going through an Apprenticeship program or seeking to follow in her footsteps.
“Work the best you can, don’t slack off, always be early, and most importantly – learn how to accept criticism from others. All you have to do is just soak up everything anyone says to you and figure out how to change and improve, rather than taking it the wrong way,” said Mora.
With insight like this, we can confidently say that Alondra Mora is going to do great things and be at the forefront of the female revolution in the electrical industry. Welcome to the WECA family, Alondra, and we are excited to see where your WECA Apprenticeship and career take you!