SIERRA ENGLISH
Job Title: Instructor
Company: Phoenix Electrical JATC
Location: Phoenix
Age: 29
Years on the Job: 9
Interests: Spending time with her family and two children and participating in women's committee activities to encourage women to join the electrical industry
When Sierra English was 19 years old, she was at a crossroads in her life.
“I was a full-time student in a chemical engineering program feeling like I was going nowhere,” English says. “I had learned about the electrical trade and decided to apply for an apprenticeship, and, once I started, I realized I loved the trade.”
Since that time, she’s been learning everything she can in the electrical industry. She has also been prioritizing participating in committees and roles to encourage women to join the electrical trade.
Born and raised around Milwaukie, Ore., she completed a four-year apprenticeship for electrical construction and maintenance, infrared certification for the inspection of electrical systems, and training on various types of electrical testing equipment used for troubleshooting and maintenance.
“My training and certifications set me up to be an industry leader and instructor to the next generation of electricians,” she says.
As a journeyman wireman and instructor for the Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship, her normal day is calling a class of about 20 apprentices to order at 5 a.m., and instructing them until 3:30 p.m. Throughout the day, she teaches topics such as conduit bending, electrical theory, and how to navigate the NEC.
“When I began this role, it was solely instructing; however, after building relationships with these students throughout the semester, I have become a mentor and advisor,” she says. “It gives me joy to see these apprentices interested in the curriculum and inquisitive about where this industry could possibly take them.”
She loves the challenge of designing activities and curriculum to deliver the subject she covers and find new ways to explain the information. The Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship is currently expanding the size of its facilities and implementing programs such as craft certification to improve the training of future electricians.
