Ongoing Responsibilities:
Remove wiring and replace it with hospital-grade wiring.

Education, Training, Licenses/Certification
Just completing First-Year Apprenticeship, IBEW Local 3, White Plains; 30-Hour OSHA; Emergency Medical Technician Certification New York State; Certified Surgical Technologist (2022); State University of NY-College at Purchase, BA in Liberal Studies & English Literature (2016); Rye Neck High School in Mamaroneck, graduated (2009).

Why this career choice?
“I wasn’t born with linesman’s pliers and wire strippers in my hands. I discovered them after a lot of trial and short stints in temporary jobs, living paycheck to paycheck. My father was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 38 and had a successful career with the union. He showed me that the workday can be long but the years fly by. He was very dedicated, which inspired me to find a craft trade that was right for me.”

Biggest challenges in your work?
“Right now, it’s learning the craft, making improvements in the way I perform, and advancing in my knowledge and training to become a skilled journeyman electrician.”

What are the biggest surprises working in the trade?
“The amount of tools and equipment that can be involved for jobs and assignments. You can never stop learning to be a skilled electrician. Joining Local 3 was an eye-opener. We do real construction work like moving heavy pipe and working with heavy machinery to hang conduit or pull wire.”

Most memorable quote:
When someone says, ‘Suddenly a light went on,’ I no longer take that to mean something metaphysical or imagined. Sure, it can be mental, but now I also ask, ‘How many amps?”

Any words of wisdom for a young person entering the field?
“Study Mathematics. Pursue an education. Reading comprehension, writing and improving your communication skills are essential. Also, college courses are offered as part of the union apprenticeship program. That’s really valuable. And keep studying mathematics. You need to know math to bend conduit, to know angles and learn electrical theory.”

Greatest accomplishments so far?
“Making it through my first-year apprenticeship and working on the new construction at the White Plains Hospital. I was there before the steel was up, and I watched the sitework progress. A big moment was the ‘Topping Off’ ceremony in May, when the Iron Workers set the last piece of steel for the new building. It was so cool to be part of that.”

Favorite interests or hobbies?
“Rock music. I play electric guitar and bass. A favorite band is the Rolling Stones, a favorite song is ‘Shine a Light.’ That’s a good song for an electrician. I’m also a Yankees fan.”

Personal Profile:
Single and resides in White Plains, NY.

– RESEARCHER AND WRITER,  GEORGE DRAPEAU III