WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2025 graduate Matthew Galindo is unique among his cohort because he came to WECA with 10 years of electrical field experience.

Many years ago, Matthew made a career change and got a job as a helper for a fire alarm contractor. He enjoyed the work and challenges that the electrical trade brought and continued crafting a career in the field.

Eventually, Matthew applied for the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program and began working for WECA Arizona Member Contractor Corbins after his acceptance into the program.

However, Matthew acknowledged that “being labeled an apprentice was a challenge” when he began his apprenticeship with 10 years of experience in the electrical industry. Matthew said he was often asked “why now?”, to which he answered that he had never had the opportunity to pursue an electrical apprenticeship before.

During his apprenticeship, Matthew looked forward to learning at WECA every six months and said that the most fun job he had during his apprenticeship was working on the Lucid Motors project.

“The variety of work and my coworkers at the time made that project very enjoyable for me,” Matthew said.

When looking back on his apprenticeship, Matthew thanked WECA Arizona Apprenticeship Manager and Lead Instructor Keith Smart for his tutelage and for “being the only other one besides myself who could appreciate the 80s”, and his employer Corbins for “seeing the potential in me and deciding to invest in my future.”

Congratulations on your graduation, Matthew, and thank you for choosing the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program to further your electrical industry education!