Apprentice of the Month - Lue Powell
There is no shortage of stories concerning how people came into our trade. Our workers are a mixed bag of youngsters that came straight from high school working for a friend doing basic construction to people with years of experience deciding to change trades to people looking for an opportunity to find a new path in life. This month’s Apprentice of the Month, fifth year Lue Powell, exemplifies the best of these originations and has already made his mark indelibly on our trade.
“I was at a point where I was looking for work for a long time,” says Lue, discussing how his first foray into the trades didn’t pan out as expected. “The Union was the place that gave me that chance. That’s how I got in and that’s why I’m sticking with it. It’s grown on me in a big way and I am very passionate about this field.”
Lue has made a big impact on those around him in every sphere of work, including in the classroom. His presence means there’s never a dull moment and also that good questions are consistently being asked.
“I have known Lue for over 10 years, since he started his IBEW journey as a CW,” says Brendan Nelson, Lue’s fourth year instructor. “It’s been a long, hard-fought road for this man to get to where he is now, and I am so proud of him. Lue is the personification of perseverance and if we all worked half as hard as he does, we would all be better for it.”
“I’ve known Lue since he was a CW and worked for me,” says Mark Steelman, IBEW LU 340 President. “The man’s got a huge heart and is a good, loyal brother. I absolutely love the guy.”
Lue also makes it plain to anyone that bravado in your field comes with little reward. Humility, curiosity, and tenacity are the orders he prescribes for a successful career in the electrical trade.
“Do the thing that all the upperclassmen and journeymen told me: don’t be afraid to ask questions,” says Lue when asked what he would recommend incoming apprentices do in the early years of their learning. “If you don’t think you know something, ask it. Even journeymen are still learning every day. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, either.”
For his hard work, Lue will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tools from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from the JATC and its staff.