Apprentice Spotlight

After years of teaching in one-classroom schools in Montana, Anna Jarmon, 55, was ready for a career change. A career counselor who made note of Anna's love for the outdoors suggested a career as a journeyman electrician. Anna entered the union's Apprentice Training Program. After four years of intense, classroom and on-the-job training, she graduated in 1990 and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 340 as a full-time journeyman. Now Anna can count the Sutter Power Plant, Roseville Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Sacramento Courthouse on her resume. Her ambition is to help build the power plant planned for her hometown, Roseville.

Anna says she's glad CURE fought for tough environmental protections at Roseville.

Anna says she's glad CURE fought for tough environmental protections at Roseville. "I have asthma and my husband and I are avid hikers," she said.

To Anna, the best part of going through the apprentice training program and being a union member is having healthcare and a secure retirement. "Our friend had surgery and had to pay the whole bill himself. I have a consistent health care and retirement plan even though I work for different employers on different construction jobs. Now I'm back attending class at night with the training program so I can be a better employee on the job."