Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.

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WECA Congratulates Willie Higgins on Retirement

Thursday, June 1, 2023

WECA Congratulates Willie Higgins, Former Registered Apprenticeship Director of Arizona Department of Economic Security -- Who Helped Pave the Way for WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program Approval in Arizona -- on His Retirement



Willie Higgins (left) poses with 2022 WECA Arizona Apprenticeship Graduate Larry Thomas, Jr. (right)

WECA congratulates Willie Higgins, former Registered Apprenticeship Director of Arizona Department of Economic Security, on his retirement.

Willie's leadership in working with Arizona employers to develop apprenticeship programs and educating Arizonans on the benefits of apprenticeship quickly paved the way for WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program to get statewide approval in Arizona.

"For over ten years, Willie led the charge in working with Arizona employers to develop Apprenticeship programs," says Bob Bartlett, WECA Arizona's Regional Manager. "There is no place in Arizona when in discussion of workforce development that Willie has not helped others know the benefits of apprenticeship. Willie always expounded on the strength of the apprenticeship model and the great jobs that are available in the trades. Thank you, Willie, for your amazing service. Enjoy a long and happy retirement for a job well done."

We also wish Willie's successor -- Joann Bueno -- well, and look forward to seeing her ideas for expanding and developing Arizona's apprenticeship programs in the years to come!

"Joann played a significant leadership role on Willie's team. We know she will do fantastic work...she had a great coach. We are looking forward to seeing the 'Bueno Blueprint' on new ideas, and if there is anything WECA can do to help, please ask," says Bob.