A Life-Changing Move to the IBEW

I am a proud boy mom! I have twin 13-year olds and a 9-year old. I applied for the electrical union (IBEW) out of necessity because working in the bars wasn’t a regular check and the hours were terrible. I discovered the IBEW by word of mouth. I didn’t apply right away, but once I did, I was accepted and started work. It changed my life. Getting in to the Union was the best thing I ever did for myself and family.

It was tough because I was pregnant with my youngest when I began my five-year apprenticeship. As far as tools to manage career and family? Lists, calendars and do not procrastinate! I have lists for everything: groceries, supplies, Chistmas gifts, material/tools, chores, etc. I also have shared calendars: work calendar, spouse calendar and calendar with the kids. Instead of stressing about things, you can simply cross them off the list or calendar once they are complete. We managed and here we are now!

For me, that’s part of what it means to have MOXY — having the gumption to GET ER DONE. To set goals and work everyday to achieve them. It’s why this profession resonates with me. It’s truly a labor of love, seeing a work through from start to finish. The project I am most proud of was the first major project I had as a new forewoman. Initially, I was given a tiny portion of the building, but when my general foreman saw that it was going so smoothly, he approached me about taking care of the lighting for the rest of the project. I agreed to do it and it went really well. I learned so much. We had a great team out there.

Communication and being accountable are key in this trade. Be vocal — let others know what you want or need. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Both speaking and actively listening are paramount. It’s important to both check in with others to make sure they understand what you are saying and also check to make sure you’ve understood others correctly. It’s the only way to get the job done, accurately and on time.

Working for an employer that you gel with is also key to success. My company, Prime Electric, is actually doing a lot to help attract and retain more women in the trades. We do outreach at high school and college career fairs as well as at trade school/pre-apprenticeship training programs. Then there’s a conference for women in the trades called Trades Women Build Nations. Companies can sponsor ladies to attend; it’s an amazing experience. I felt pretty alone as a women on the job site until I was sent to that conference. This year it’s in October in Las Vegas. I can’t wait to meet you all out there!

About the Author: At 29 years old, Kimberly Davis began her five-year apprenticeship with IBEW local #332 in Santa Clara County. She has been working for Prime Electric since 2015 and currently works as a foreman. She plans installations, orders tools and material, directs a crew of Journeyman and apprentices, and documents daily construction activities. She has worked on projects for Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Amazon and Stanford. Kimberly lives in the San Fanscisco Bay Area with her husband and three sons.