At IPCO, the work we do in the field is only part of the story. Behind every crew, every project, and every new hire is someone helping connect the right people to the right opportunities.
For Nell Berkeley, IPCO’s Recruiting and Training Coordinator, that work is personal. “I spend a lot of time networking, making connections, and just getting to know people,” Nell says.
Whether she’s visiting local high schools, attending career fairs, or stopping by with a box of donuts just to say hello, her goal is simple: build relationships that last.
More Than Hiring
Nell’s role goes beyond recruiting. With a background in education, she also helps lead training efforts at IPCO by developing lessons and working with apprentices as they grow in the field.
“I used to be a teacher, so getting the opportunity to still teach is great,” she says. “It’s been fun learning the content and figuring out how to teach it, while also respecting that our guys are the experts in what they do every day.”
It’s a balance she’s embraced, helping new team members learn while having the opportunity to learn herself.
What Makes a Great Candidate
When Nell meets someone interested in IPCO, she’s not just scanning for experience, she’s looking at the whole person. “We’re always looking for someone willing to learn and work hard. Someone with the desire to better themselves, and in turn better the company.”
Experience matters, but it’s not everything. Initiative, responsibility, and a willingness to grow often go further than a polished resume. Her advice to anyone on the fence about applying? “Apply anyways! We care just as much about your character as we do your work history.”
One of the most rewarding parts of Nell’s job is watching new hires settle in, especially apprentices.
“Often they’re still figuring out what they want to do. But after a few weeks on the job, you start to see it click. They’re using the lingo, working more independently. You can tell they feel accomplished.”
The IPCO Culture
Ask Nell what sets IPCO apart, and her answer comes quickly: the people. “We care about our team as people as much as we care about them as electricians,” she says. That support shows up in both big and small ways. Whether it’s training opportunities, team meetings, or simply knowing someone has your back when you need it.
“As cliché as it sounds, it really does feel like family,” she adds.
A Little Bit of Everything
One of Nell’s favorite parts of the job is that no two days are the same. She might spend the morning at a job site, the afternoon at a career fair, and the next day building out training materials for apprentices. It’s a role that keeps her moving, and keeps her connected to every part of the company.
And when the field team drops by the office? “That always makes my day better,” she says. “It’s fun to hear what they’re working on and just catch up.
(That, and a crispy Diet Coke.)
When she’s not connecting with candidates or building training programs, Nell leans into what she jokingly calls her “granny hobbies” like quilting, puzzles, crochet, and finding a good deal while couponing.
She also has deep roots in agriculture, growing up involved in 4H and FFA, where she showed animals, competed in interview contests, and even made it to a national competition. It’s a background that shaped how she connects with people today, curious, thoughtful, and always ready with a good question to keep the conversation going.
At the end of the day, Nell’s role is about helping people find a place where they can grow, contribute, and build something meaningful. And at IPCO, that’s exactly what she’s doing, one conversation at a time.
