International Brotherhood
of Electrical Workers,
San Francisco Joint Apprenticeship
and Training Committee
Organized Labor
October 2009
Tom Lauchenauer, Assistant Training Director The trade is always changing with the new technology, and there is always something different to do every day. My favorite job so far is being an instructor, seeing the apprentices grow and learn, when they come in not knowing that much and then seeing the light bulb go on when they finally understand. The motor control class is one of the most challenging. They are being exposed to a whole new terminology. It is a little different than switching a light on and off. We are talking about open contacts, closed contacts, and contact relays. Even though the contacts are doing the same thing as a light switch, it looks different. Some people pick up on it right away, and some struggle with it. There are a hundred different ways to explain something. If someone is not getting it, I’ll open it up to the class. Teaching them to teach each other is one of the best ways to learn. As a journeyperson, they will have to explain things to their apprentices and their crew. Not everything is installing pipe and turning wrenches. They have to be able to communicate to all kinds of people: fellow electricians, other tradespeople, architects, engineers, and building owners.