There's more than one way to become—and succeed as—an electrician through a WECA training program. Just ask Jacob Minkoff, the Salutatorian of the WECA Southern California Electrician Trainee Program Class of 2024.

Jacob’s on-the-job training with his contractor, coupled with the education he received through WECA’s  Electrician Trainee Certification Program, prepared him to earn his general electrician journeyman certification in November 2023.

“My WECA education was very informative and wide-ranging in electrical knowledge. It prepared me for my career by providing me with the necessary knowledge, so I could understand and perform the required tasks in my career. Meanwhile, my on-the-job training with my employers prepared me for my career by allowing me to build skills and gain experience,” says Jacob.

As a student in the WECA Electrician Trainee Program, Jacob's recipe for success was similar to that of his apprenticeship counterparts. He attributes his success to “keeping up with the assigned reading and homework, signing on early to the lectures, participating in answering questions asked by the instructor, and continually practicing using the NEC code book as often as possible.”

“I’d also like to thank all of my instructors for sharing their electrical and code knowledge and experience, and for allowing the trade to continue to grow and expand this way,” says Jacob.

To succeed like he has, Jacob implores apprentices and GetWired students alike to take the development of knowledge in their trades seriously, to be vigilant in their applications of that knowledge when working, and to never stop learning.

Jacob takes the “never stop learning” mantra seriously—aside from continuing to grow in his electrical career, Jacob plans to someday pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

Congratulations, Jacob! Thank you for being a great example of success in the WECA Electrician Trainee Program, and we wish you the best in acquiring a degree in electrical engineering in the future!