2024 WECA Northern California Low Voltage Salutatorian Nathanael Prendez, Jr. – an employee of WECA Member Contractor Johnson Electronics – characterizes his WECA education as challenging yet rewarding.

During his apprenticeship, Nathanael also says that his on-the-job training experience with Johnson Electronics gave him the opportunity to experience and solve real-life problems on the job, and practice skills like thinking on the spot.

For Nathanael, being successful in his apprenticeship and becoming the Salutatorian of his class came about from a multitude of factors: fellow classmates, his instructors, and the support of his family.

“My teachers as well as my fellow classmates contributed to my success; collaborating with them during class and labs and learning the skills that they have acquired during their own personal jobs really helped,” says Nathanael. “I would also like to thank my wife Samantha and my daughter Isabel for supporting me.”

For WECA apprentices who wish to emulate Nathanael’s success, he encourages them to apply themselves while studying and make the most of each semester of instruction.

Now that he has graduated, Nathanael plans to “continue to grow in my experience at Johnson Electronics and continue my education for further growth and development.”

Congratulations on your graduation and for becoming Salutatorian of your class, Nathanael! We are proud of your hard work ethic and continuous growth mindset.