At IPCO, no two days look the same, especially for apprentices. One day you might be bending conduit in a manufacturing facility, the next you could be climbing a water tower with a harness and a bundle of pipe headed up the ladder.
For Chris Frady, who’s been with IPCO for about ten months, that variety is exactly what keeps the job interesting.
Chris grew up in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and before joining IPCO he worked at QT and picked up different jobs here and there. Like a lot of people in the trades, his path into electrical work came through relationships. As he puts it, “It’s about who you know.”
Not Afraid to Try Something New
Chris isn’t someone who shies away from challenges. In fact, outside of work he rides bulls.
Yes––bull riding.
He’s been stepped on by a bull before (“after my fourth ride,” he says casually), but that hasn’t slowed him down. “I’ve always felt bulletproof,” he laughs.
That mindset has helped him adapt quickly to life on the jobsite, where new tasks and new environments come up constantly.
Learning from the Best
One of Chris’s favorite parts about working at IPCO has been the people he’s learning from.
“The guys here actually teach you,” he says. “And it’s not a problem when you ask questions.”
Chris spends a lot of time working alongside Superintendent Chris Widerman, who’s given him what he jokingly calls a “crash course” in electrical work, from wiring circuits to pipe and conduit bending. You can read more about Chris Widerman’s experience at IPCO here.
“It’s hands-on learning,” Chris Frady explains. “You’re figuring things out while you’re doing the work.”
Work That Keeps You Moving
Chris has already had the chance to work on a variety of projects, including water towers across the region. For an apprentice, that kind of experience is hard to beat.
The process can be physically demanding. Crews climb ladders, send up the pipe tower, and strap and anchor it into place while working in safety harnesses. Electrical systems on water towers are critical for providing power for lights, pumps, and service equipment that keep water systems running reliably.
There’s also underground work involved, helping bring power from the energy company to the site and distributing it through the tower’s systems.
One skill Chris didn’t expect to learn? Climbing water towers.
“You just learn it on the job,” he says. “You prioritize safety, and you get it done.”
A Crew That Feels Like Family
Ask Chris what he loves most about his job and the answer is simple: the people.
“The team here is like a family,” he says. “It’s like a home away from home.”
Of course, that family dynamic comes with plenty of joking around. The crew likes to give each other a hard time, but it’s all part of building camaraderie and trust.
“We joke with each other, but everyone’s got your back,” Chris says.
For Chris, the job is a chance to step away from the routine of everyday life while learning skills that can build a career.
“You’re always learning something new,” he says. “You never get bored.”
Thinking About the Trades?
Chris has only been at IPCO for ten months, but he’s already confident about one thing: it’s the right place for him.
He gives the experience a 10 out of 10, and we’re better for having him as part of the team.
And for anyone considering joining the trades, he has some simple advice:
“If you’ve got the work ethic and the ability to learn, you should apply.”
If you or someone you know is interested in working at IPCO, head to our careers page for more information.
