WECA Spotlight: Abel Urias, Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Salutatorian, Class of 2026 

For Abel Urias, completing his apprenticeship at WECA meant more than earning his place in the electrical industry. It helped him reach some important personal goals, too. 

Abel joined WECA in 2021, shortly after starting his electrical career in California. After talking with journeymen who had gone through the program, he realized it was a good fit for him. He was soon invited to become a WECA commercial apprentice. 

Throughout his apprenticeship, Abel worked with WECA member contractor Pavletich Electric in Bakersfield. The experience gave him the opportunity to learn from experienced electricians and build the skills he needed to become a journeyman. 

One of the biggest advantages of the program was being able to pursue his career without taking on education debt. With sponsorship from a WECA member contractor, Abel was able to achieve his goal of becoming a journeyman electrician debt-free. He and his wife also purchased a home during his apprenticeship, making the experience even more meaningful for their family. 

“My education through WECA helped me achieve my goal of becoming a journeyman electrician debt free by being sponsored through a member contractor.” 

For Abel, the lessons he learned on the job went beyond electrical work. Learning from experienced journeymen helped shape the way he approaches his work and thinks about leadership. 

“My on the job training has shaped me to become the person that I am today. The life skills that I have learned along the way far out weigh the trade skills that I have acquired.” 

That perspective has also influenced how Abel sees his future in the trade. He believes his WECA education has helped him understand the bigger picture of electrical work, from completing everyday tasks on a jobsite to managing a crew and keeping projects running efficiently. 

As he moves forward in his career, Abel can build on the technical skills, practical experience, and lessons in leadership he gained throughout his apprenticeship. 

Congratulations to Abel Urias on graduating as a WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Salutatorian! We commend his dedication and look forward to seeing him continue to grow professionally and contribute to the team at Pavletich Electric.