Say Watt Podcast

Next Up: RENEW

In this episode, we’re joined by Alan Mora, EWMC RENEW President, to talk about IBEW RENEW - an initiative created to inspire and engage the next generation of electrical workers.

 

Alan shares how he got involved, what RENEW offers, and how the program is helping young members step into leadership roles and shape the future of the IBEW.

EMPOWER: From Participant to Leader

In this episode, we sit down with Anthy Hadjimarkos to talk about EMPOWER, a program focused on recruiting and supporting women in the electrical construction industry. Anthy shares her journey in the trade, her experience as both a participant and now a leader of the program, and the impact EMPOWER is making.

 

We also talk about lessons learned, available resources, and how others can start similar programs in their own areas.

 

OJT to College Credit

What if your on-the-job training counted toward a college degree?

In this episode, we talk with Jayson Maksymovich, Training Director at the IBEW 269 JATC in Trenton, NJ, about their innovative agreement with Thomas Edison State University, turning OJT hours into college credit and expanding opportunities for apprentices.

 

The NECA-IBEW Family of Funds: Built for Us

We’re kicking off 2026 with a conversation about your health, your family, and the people who’ve got your back.

In this episode, we’re joined by Darrin Golden, Executive Director of the NECA-IBEW Family Medical Care Plan - a healthcare plan built by electrical workers, for electrical workers. Darrin shares how the Family of Funds supports IBEW and NECA members and their families, and why caring for one another remains at the heart of everything they do.

Adios 2025

For this last episode of 2025, we are talking highlights, lessons learned, what we are most proud of this year, and what’s ahead.

Community Based Organizations

What happens when apprenticeship programs partner with the communities they serve? In this episode, we chat with Tim Garcia, Training Director at the St. Paul Electrical JATC, about how working with two local organizations is transforming outreach, recruitment, and retention and creating real impact across the city. Tim also shares how they’re using Interim Credentials to strengthen their approach and support apprentice success from day one.

Beyond the Powerlines

When the power goes out, lineworkers suit up - facing storms, accidents, and extreme conditions to keep our communities connected. But their work goes far beyond emergencies. From installing and maintaining the infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses to learning the latest technologies shaping the future grid, lineworkers are essential. In this episode, we’re joined by Danny Haddad, a dedicated Training Director preparing current and future lineworkers for the demands of this critical and rewarding career.

From Apprentice to Instructor with Summer Zachary

Becoming an electrical apprentice is just the start of a career filled with endless possibilities. And for some, that journey leads to shaping the future of the trade itself. That’s exactly what our guest, Summer Zachary, an instructor at the Electrical Training Institute in Commerce, California, chose to do. In this episode, Summer talks about her path, her passion for the trade, and what it means to train the next generation of electrical workers.

Budgets Are Like Diets

We are talking budgets with Mark Cerulla, former etA Director of Operations and Comptroller, now with the IBEW International Office. A good budget helps set goals, control spending, prioritize investments, and align resources with long-term success. For JATCs and AJATCs, budgeting isn’t just helpful—it’s critical.

My Story with Kennitha Wade

We love any chance to get to know our community better—and this episode is one of those special opportunities! Join us as we sit down with Kennitha Wade, an instructor at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center in Portland, Oregon, for a fun and insightful conversation about her journey, her work, and what inspires her in training new apprentices and guiding them along their career path.