Apprentice of the Month - Mike Negaard

We in the organized electrical industry have myriad types of people come into our fold. We consider ourselves a pack of strays in many ways due to the disparate backgrounds from which we hail. Some people come in with tons of experience, some come in having never held tools. There is always that shine that comes from someone who not only has experience with electricity but also already knows this type of construction is something they enjoy. Enter September’s apprentice of the month, Mike Negaard, a third-year apprentice who brings an already robust knowledge of circuitry to the trade.

“These are skills that are offering me a career I will be able to take anywhere,” says Mike, aware of the possibilities of this apprenticeship. “This means a solid future to be able to look forward to working in and actually get a fair return for my work. It’s given me a whole new hope and optimism on life.”

Mike consistently stands out in the classroom, always adding a question or comment that furthers his own knowledge and that of his classmates.

“Mike is a natural leader. His class rallies around him,” says Zac Goodman, second year instructor. “His moral compass always points him in the right direction. I am excited to see him grow into his career.”

In addition to the classroom, Mike has already made a name for himself on the jobsite with his ability to analyze a problem and correct it, making sure he brings his concerns up the chain of command to get problems fixed.

“Mike is an awesome apprentice that continues to gain and ask for knowledge,” says Joseph Blas, a journeyman working with Mike. “I challenge Mike with questions out of the codebook, some of which are beyond what a third year should know, and he always delivers. He has been a great asset to our job site.”

“Take this seriously; it’s a golden ticket,” says Mike when asked what advice he has for first- and second-year apprentices now that he’s an upperclassman. “You have five years to make it through. Show up early, pay attention, learn, listen.”

For his hard work, Mike will receive a tool bag and hand tool from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from the JATC and its staff.