Marc Pendleton, Vice President and Organizer in charge of Membership Development for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 520, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Lone Star Program, which provides those considering an apprenticeship with hands-on experience to help decide if the program is right for them.
Pendleton appeared as part of National Apprenticeship Week, held Nov. 14 to Nov. 20.
The week-long program takes place at the Local 520 training center and teaches students hands-on skills such as installing plugs and switches. They also earn a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) New Electrical Apprentice License and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification. The program is completely free and funded by sponsorships, he said.
Pendleton then explained how IBEW apprenticeship training has evolved over time to include the latest technologies like solar panel installation and the installation of battery charging stations for electric vehicles.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.