As veteran electricians retire from the trade, up-and-coming electrical leaders are topping out in their apprenticeship programs, embracing new technology, and learning from their peers with more experience in the industry.
EC&M will soon be honoring its 30 Under 30 all-stars for 2020 with a photo gallery and feature in the June issue, but in the meantime, here is a look at two of the honorees’ views on training and technology in today’s electrical industry.
For example, Oscar Gomez, operations manager for Global Diversified Voltage, Inc. in Los Angeles, says he has learned a lot about the trade by working in the field.
“There is an important layer of education that is needed in the electrical field, but field experience and mentorship are also important,” says 28-year-old Gomez. “Field experience and facing real-world problems allow electrical theory to become reality.”
Over the past six years, Gomez says many people have believed in him and allowed him to showcase his knowledge and talent. In addition, he has taken the approach to never stop learning about the trade.
“Advancements in technology are continuous, and learning about new and improved methods and skills through reading about them will be something I will not stop,” Gomez says.
By absorbing new knowledge, he has helped his company to shift from onsite coordination to electrical modeling like other electrical firms.
“In my firm, I have a great understanding of how to design and coordinate with other key players the areas of impact and high risk,” Gomez says.
Another 30 Under 30 winner, Eddie Esperanza (see photo), has also had the opportunity to work with diverse technologies in his role as foreman for Power Design. Using the apps on his smart phone and tablet, Esperanza can check on his crew members, promote safety initiatives, and reward his team for a job well done. He can also document the progress of a job with a 360° camera or lay out points for rough-in work in the slab.
“We use the apps every single day to help to get all the information we need to get our work completed,” says 26-year-old Esperanza. “Being equipped with all of the training and resources on these different technologies helps me to pass down the knowledge to my team in the field.”
As these electrical professionals continue to progress in their careers and make their mark in the industry, they are helping to pave the way for other future electrical leaders in the trade.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
