Avista, IBEW long-standing partners on apprenticeships

National Apprenticeship Week is November 8 – 14, and this week brings opportunity to recognize the role and value of apprenticeships. Beyond the individual apprentices, there are many who come together to make apprenticeships happen including employers, unions, business leaders, higher education institutions, instructors and other critical partners. The result of this collaboration is a skilled workforce that is the backbone of diverse industries across the country.

Apprenticeships are important career pathways that provide individuals with a unique combination of education, paid work experience and a certification or credential. Most typically associated with the trades, they are more than just jobs.

Locally, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 77 and Avista Utilities are joint sponsors in 12 apprenticeships that are registered through the United States Department of Labor. IBEW Local 77’s apprenticeships at Avista offer great opportunities to people from becoming a Lineman to a Hydro Dam Operator. It’s a great opportunity to learn and earn a good living wage with benefits in a career that is long lasting for one of the great employers in Spokane, Avista Utilities.

For Avista, the ability to effectively serve customers with safe and reliable energy begins with highly skilled, capable employees. Apprenticeships ensure our craft employees have the training and expertise needed to meet the needs of the utility and our customers today and into the future. Avista’s partnership with IBEW Local 77 on apprenticeships is long-standing and has served all of our customers well for decades.

Mike Brown, Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 77 mikebrown@ibew77.com

Jeremy Gall, Director of Safety and Craft Training, Avista Utilities Jeremy.gall@avistacorp.com

Mike Brown

Jeremy Gall