Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.

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Giving a Warm WECA 'Welcome Back!' to New Lead Instructor for Our ET/CE Program!

Wednesday, August 21, 2019



It's all come full circle for Galen Eckert, WECA's new Lead Instructor for its Electrician Trainee and Continuing Education programs.

Eckert - a longtime Sacramento resident originally hailing from Cleveland, OH - spent a year in WECA's Electrician Trainee program before joining the Apprenticeship program and graduating as the Commercial Apprenticeship Salutatorian of the class of 2013.

After graduating from WECA, Eckert spent "the majority of my career working for PB Electric in Rancho Cordova, where our main focus was industrial work like water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, lift stations, pump stations, newspaper presses, as well as projects for SMUD."

Though Eckert enjoyed working in the field, there was a yearning to "come home".

"My interest in working for WECA began as a student, because being an instructor 'on the other side of things' intrigued me," said Eckert. "Plus, I always enjoyed teaching and training apprentices and co-workers in the field and thought, 'Why not make it a full-time job?"

As Lead Instructor, Eckert teaches, sets up, and manages the GetWired! labs and its corresponding materials; works with instructors to resolve any issues that may arise; mentors his fellow instructors to be the best instructors possible; helps run the typical day-to-day aspects of the program; and acts as a confidant for instructors and students alike.

"When working in the field, I always took great pride in my hands-on work and my part in creating a perfect finished project," said Eckert. "I now look to take my knowledge of the trade and pass it on to future electricians in hopes of helping them achieve their goals, maximize their potential, and become some of the best electricians around."

Continues Eckert, "My personal philosophy is simple. I am honest, straightforward, and hardworking. And I'm always giving 100 percent to produce a product I can be proud of."

In his personal time, Eckert enjoys building and driving his hot rods, and taking them to car shows and the race track. In addition to that, Eckert likes golfing, fishing, hiking, and stand-up comedy. And last - but not least - Eckert is a Clevelander at heart, stating that he is a "huge fan of all the Cleveland sports teams as well as The Ohio State Buckeyes as Cleveland is my true home."

Welcome home, Galen. We're thrilled to have you back!