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Mont. Member Wins Western States Electrical Contest

December 15, 2011

More than 20 newly-turned out electricians from a half-dozen states took part in the 2011 Western States Electrical Contest, showcasing the talents of the newest members of the IBEW.

Contestants showed off their knowledge of motor controls, residential wiring and conduit bending. The journeymen, representing locals from the Eighth and Ninth Districts, also had to take a written test based on the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee handbook and create their own schematic drawing.

Helena, Mont., Local 233 member David Carney took first place in the annual competition, in November.

Bakersfield, Calif., Local 428 hosted the event at its new training facility.

“It was an honor to play host for some of the best the IBEW has to offer,” says Local 428 Apprenticeship Coordinator Jerry Melson.

For the residential wiring portion of the competition, contestants had to wire a single wall, installing outlets and a transformer box in a limited amount of time.

“When the judge said ‘go’ the clanking of tools was deafening,” Melson said.

The competition was started in Oregon in the 1950s, but didn’t expand across the West until the late 1990s.

Contestants, who are required to be first-year journeymen, are selected by their local’s training directors to attend.

Ninth District International Vice President Michael Mowrey addressed attendees at the awards ceremony.

Carney, along with second- and third-place winners Portland, Ore., Local 48 member Aeron Braukman and Modesto, Calif., Local 684 member Chris Bowden, respectively, received a small cash prize donated by signatory contractor Pratt Electric.