IBEW Local 134 apprentice explains why your environment is imperative to your success

LeShawn Sanders shares what it takes to become an IBEW Local 134 electrician, offering a firsthand look at how apprenticeship training is shaping the next generation of union electricians in Chicago.

Episode 22 of The Power of Better follows Sanders, a second-year apprentice with IBEW Local 134, through a full day of training—from early morning routines to hands-on instruction at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech).

Apprentices begin their day before sunrise, preparing for the physical and technical demands of the job. At IN-Tech, training is designed to reflect real-world conditions, starting with physical training and continuing through core electrical instruction.

The episode highlights key areas of training, including motor control and code compliance. Motor control is a fundamental part of electrical work, requiring precision in wiring transformers, disconnects, and power systems. Code classes reinforce safety and accuracy, ensuring electricians understand installation requirements and system design.

As apprentices progress, the level of training intensifies. Each year builds on the last, expanding both the volume and complexity of the work. This structured approach develops electricians who are prepared to meet the demands of projects across Chicago and Cook County.

Beyond the classroom, the episode also explores the personal motivation behind the work, highlighting the discipline, focus, and long-term opportunity that come with a career in the electrical trade.

Powering Chicago relies on the expertise of signatory contractors and the highly trained IBEW Local 134 electricians they employ. Through apprenticeship programs and ongoing training, this workforce supports the infrastructure, facilities, and developments powering the region.

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Learn about joining the apprenticeship program here: https://poweringchicago.com/programs/

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IBEW Local 134 Apprentice and Organization Featured in this Episode:
IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech): https://ejatt.com/

About Powering Chicago
Bringing together the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 electricians and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) of Chicago and Cook County, Powering Chicago is an electrical industry labor-management partnership (LMCC) that invests in consistently better construction, better careers and better communities within the metro Chicago region. Employing the latest technology, our members are elevating industry performance through their commitment to safety, level of experience and reliability, while also investing in the future of skilled labor through an innovative, five-year apprenticeship program.

About “The Power of Better”
The Power of Better is a video series showcasing the expertise, craftsmanship, and large-scale projects delivered by Powering Chicago contractors and the IBEW Local 134 electricians they employ. Each episode highlights real work across commercial, municipal, mission-critical, industrial, and public-sector environments, demonstrating how skilled electrical professionals help power critical infrastructure throughout the region

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