By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
State Sen. Cory V. McCray (D-Md.-45) hosted a two-day apprenticeship program that gave youth the chance to learn about the electrical industry July 23 and July 25.
Around 70 YouthWorks participants (ages 14-19) toured the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker (IBEW) Local 24 Apprenticeship facility in West Baltimore and learned about the basics of conduit bending and the difference between residential, commercial and industrial electrical work.
“I’m an electrician. I went through a five-year apprenticeship program. I’m also in my second term in the Maryland State Senate,” said McCray, introducing himself to the group and explaining how important the program is to him. “We collectively partner with a number of different organizations. Every year we do an apprenticeship tour, making sure we bring as many young scholars from our city to this space.”
During the day, McCray talked with students about overcoming obstacles and making the most of life’s opportunities. He also emphasized the importance of perseverance, efficient resource use and time management.
“The only expectationsa that we have for our apprentices are that they have a good attitude, that they’re ready to show up to work on time and that they are willing to learn,” said McCray. “Every apprentice has a journeyperson that they’re working next to that’s training them on the basic functions of (what they need to know) in this electrical profession.”
Dave Springham, training coordinator at the IBEW Local 24 Apprenticeship facility, explained the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship.
“Do you get paid as an intern? Sometimes. Traditionally, you’re doing it for academic credit…life experience. Sometimes you get paid, sometimes you don’t,” said Springham. “Every one of our apprentices, every single minute on the job site are getting paid well.”
“Our first year apprentices with absolutely zero experience, first day on the job, start at over $21 an hour,” Springham continued.
The students were engaged throughout the day, asking questions and volunteering for the demonstrations.
“It was very educational and I really appreciated it,” said Kirsten Tyler, 17. “There’s definitely not a negative thing I got from today. It helped me figure out what it is that I want to do after college, and that there’s definitely multiple things I could do. It’s not just college or nothing.
“I would love to go to an apprenticeship, but that would be my second option as opposed to me going to school for being a chiropractor – something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she continued. “I’m definitely appreciative of the program for allowing me to be able to experience this because I didn’t know anything about apprenticeships and I have a lot of knowledge about it now.”
McCray emphasized that the aim of the program was to introduce Baltimore youth to more of the opportunities that are out there for them.
For those hesitant about apprenticeships, Tyler encouraged other youth to just give it a try and don’t give up.
“There is nothing worse than failing and never trying to do something again. If something doesn’t work out, the best thing that you can do is continue to try and build and prosper,” she said. “And apprenticeships are one of those opportunities where there’s no downfall. It’s easy work and you’re getting paid.”
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