Apprentice of the Month - Janet Martinez
When we consider what makes a great apprentice, it tends to carry descriptors like “easy to instruct”, “curious”, “diligent”, and “reliable”. A good apprentice is someone who exudes all these traits and constantly goes above and beyond. This tends to be noticed by their journeymen and it is so with second-year Janet Martinez, March’s apprentice of the month.
“This apprenticeship is the gateway to what’s going to be my career for thirty-plus years,” says Janet. “It’s been a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. And you have a great time working as you’re learning!”
In addition to being a force in the field, Janet is also a strong presence in the classroom, constantly asking questions and making her education a priority as well as making it fun for herself and her classmates.
“Janet has a great presence in the classroom” says Zac Goodman, Janet’c s second year instructor. “She always takes the time to learn the material and if she doesn’t understand she doesn’t mind asking for clarification.”
Not content to just excel in the classroom, Janet has made a huge impression on her journeymen. Working with Tony Scott, a general foreman with Elite Power, she has had the opportunity to learn her craft from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced tradesman in our Union.
“A lot of people, if you don’t give them direction, will just stand there or follow you around,” says Tony. “Janet is highly motivated and is always doing something, even if she isn’t directed. On top of that she’s great at learning new things and has a great track record with showing up to work every day and on time.”
“I feel like when I’m at work, I have to be doing something at all times,” says Janet. “It helps the day go by super quick. Organizing helps you get super familiar with the material on the jobsite. That’s huge when your foreman asks how many of something we have and you know because you just organized the cart!”
For her hard work, Janet will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tools from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from the JATC and its staff.