Braeden Stroman, Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Valedictorian
Please join us in congratulating Braeden Stroman, the WECA Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2025 Valedictorian, on his achievement!
During his apprenticeship, Braeden worked for WECA Member Contractor Bergelectric.
“The WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program gave me the opportunity to learn both in the classroom and in the field. I appreciate the hands-on training over the past five years to help prepare me for any situation on a job site. The on-the-job training I received through Bergelectric was nothing more than great, especially getting to work with every aspect a commercial electrician would face: from underground, decks, finished trim, and everything in between,” Braeden said.
Braeden cited self-discipline, ability to remain focused and on-task, and asking classmates for help to understand topics better and to learn from each other’s in-the-field experiences as contributing factors to his Valedictorian achievement.
“The experience you get not just in class but in the field will teach you life lessons that will make you into a better and more productive employee and future leader,” Braeden said.
Braeden’s support system also helped him achieve his Valedictorian designation.
“I’d like to thank those who helped me get here: my beautiful girlfriend and daughter, my parents and brother, the foremen and leaders at Bergelectric, my fellow classmates, and the instructors and staff at WECA,” Braeden said.
In the future, Braeden plans to further his education to “lean into a career of higher responsibilities like a foreman or an estimating position.”
Congratulations on your hard work and accomplishment, Braeden! Thank you for continually demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and eagerness to learn in the WECA Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program. We look forward to seeing you continue to make your mark in the Southern California commercial electrical industry!
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Caleb Johansen, Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Salutatorian
We’re excited to congratulate Caleb Johansen, the WECA Southern California Class of 2025 Commercial Electrical Salutatorian!
Caleb has worked for WECA Member Contractor Bergelectric since beginning his apprenticeship in 2020 and characterized his apprenticeship as “an adventure” because he completed the first year of the classroom and lab portion of his apprenticeship online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to his apprenticeship, Caleb served as an artilleryman in the Marine Corps. His Marine Corps experience greatly influenced his success in the Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program.
“[The Marine Corps is] where I learned the importance of discipline, leadership, teamwork, and how to be a better version of myself,” Caleb said. “I was able to apply the attributes I learned from my time in service to my education at WECA.”
These attributes, particularly teamwork, served Caleb well on-the-job with Bergelectric.
“I had many great journeymen to teach me and to push me to be a better electrician,” Caleb said.
The discipline that Caleb learned during his time in the Marine Corps also carried over to the classroom portion of his apprenticeship.
“Pay attention in class, especially to things you don’t think you are going to use in the field. I can’t tell you how many times I thought something we were learning was pointless, when in reality, I would end up using that information later on,” Caleb said.
Outside of the classroom and job site, Caleb’s support system helped ensure his success in the apprenticeship program.
“I’d like to give a shout-out to my classmates who made coming to school entertaining and fun, and to my wife, Hannah, for being by my side and supporting me this whole time,” Caleb said. “Most importantly, I’d like to thank God for giving me all that I have and everything I’ve needed these past five years.”
Caleb looks forward to continuing his career with Bergelectric after graduation and leveling up in the trade.
Congratulations on your graduation and accomplishment, Caleb! From the Marine Corps to apprenticeship and beyond, you have consistently shown up and bettered yourself, which will continue to serve you well in your career!
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Eric Huerta, Southern California Low Voltage Apprenticeship Valedictorian
Congratulations to Eric Huerta, the WECA Southern California Class of 2025 Low Voltage Apprenticeship Valedictorian, on this accomplishment!
Eric, who worked for WECA Member Contractor Bergelectric during his apprenticeship, credited his achievement to WECA giving him a strong foundation in electrical theory and practical skills, and to his consistency, dedication to learning, and the ability to apply classroom instruction and hands-on training to real-life situations.
“My on-the-job training has prepared me for my career by giving me real-world experience working alongside journeymen and other professionals in the field. This hands-on experience built my confidence, sharpened my skills, and prepared me to succeed as a professional technician,” said Eric.
Eric advised apprentices to stay dedicated and patient and to take advantage of every learning opportunity during their apprenticeships.
“Ask questions, listen to experienced technicians, show up ready to work, and have a good attitude and take pride in your work,” Eric said.
Eric’s success was also made possible by his robust support system.
“I want to thank Jehovah God for giving me the strength, guidance, and perseverance to make it through this journey. I also want to thank my wife for her love, support, and encouragement every step of the way. I couldn’t have done it without her,” Eric said.
Eric’s apprenticeship program may be complete, but his dedication to learning remains.
“I plan to continue in the low voltage field and continue progressing and learning more. I want to work toward receiving more certifications from different organizations, such as BICSI, to move my way up the ladder,” Eric said.
Congratulations, Eric! Thank you for exemplifying excellence in the WECA Low Voltage Apprenticeship program. Your dedication to teamwork and continuous learning and improvement will continue to propel you toward a rewarding and exemplary career in the low voltage electrical field!
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Jose Rodriguez, Southern California Electrician Trainee Program Salutatorian
Congratulations to Jose Rodriguez, the Salutatorian of the WECA Southern California Class of 2025 Electrician Trainee Certificate Program!
Jose, who works for WECA Member Contractor Sunrun, says that his Electrician Trainee Program coursework and on-the-job experience has prepared him for his career by helping him understand and navigate the code book, and by providing variety and the ability to learn something new every day.
Jose credits his accomplishment to “God and second, my lady Itzel, for her patience, support, and endurance” and encourages others WECA Electrician Trainees to “be consistent with your homework, don’t be afraid to ask questions you don’t know the answer to, and be open-minded and willing to learn from your own mistakes and others’ mistakes.”
After graduation, Jose plans to continue working with Sunrun, and seek out the continued opportunities that his electrician certification provides.
Congratulations, Jose! Your tenacity and curiosity are integral to continuing to craft a successful career in the electrical industry and serve as inspiration to current and future Electrician Trainees alike. We look forward to your continued accomplishments in California’s electrical industry!