At Industrial Power Corporation (IPCO), our apprentices represent the future of our industry. The program provides on-the-job training for anyone interested in learning the skills and mastery necessary to succeed in our field.
We look for a strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and eagerness to learn—hard skills like electrical knowledge, terminating wire, equipment operations, and surveying can be taught.
We checked in with two of our promising apprentices, Landon Ezell and Nathan Rondeau, whose different paths led them to the same rewarding career in electrical industrial contracting.
Finding Their Way to IPCO
Every journey begins somewhere unique. For Landon, the connection to construction ran deep—his grandfather’s contracting business had him on job sites “since he could crawl.” When his best friend, owner Brian Adkins’ son, suggested he switch from welding, Landon knew it was the right move.
Nathan’s path was perhaps not entirely obvious, though he knew it would not include more school. After high school, he tried college courses but quickly realized they weren’t for him. Nathan entered the trades through his father’s connection with IPCO’s leadership in a men’s Bible study group. “I knew I wanted to do something with my hands,” Nathan recalls.
Like many IPCO employees, their connection and relationship with the leadership team proved critical to their attraction to the company.
Learning the Ropes
Both apprentices have experienced the diverse nature of IPCO’s work, completing around ten projects since starting. Nathan remembers his first assignment at a wastewater facility, where everything was new and unfamiliar. It wasn’t until his second project, a commercial upfit in Greenville, that things started clicking into place.
Landon’s experience has been equally varied. Due to the ever-changing nature of this job, he bounced between job sites more than most apprentices. While this presented early learning challenges, it has made him incredibly versatile and valuable to the company.
Both apprentices agree the work is far from the stereotypical image of an electrician simply connecting wires. Their days are filled with physical, hands-on tasks, often underground and requiring digging well before the first wire is pulled.
A Day in the Life
The workday of an IPCO apprentice starts early—7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Apprentices are distinguished by their gray hard hats, which set them apart from the white-hatted supervisors. Their tasks vary daily, from underground work and pipe threading to massive wire pulls that require all hands on deck.
“Sometimes there are certain moments where you don’t know if you need to be super precise or not precise at all,” Nathan says, highlighting the learning curve that comes with the job. However, both apprentices emphasize the importance of planning and coordination with other trades to ensure smooth project execution.
Every week is filled with crucial safety training. At IPCO, safety is woven into everything we do. Landon and Nathan participate in weekly safety meetings and receive one-on-one safety briefings before tackling new tasks. Landon says, “We focus so much on safety because one wrong move can be pretty scary.”
Building relationships is as crucial as building electrical systems, so much of the training as an apprentice includes practical skills like communication. “We talk about building relationships with people on the job with other trades,” Nathan explains. “That way, you can communicate about problems and coordinate with someone else to make sure you aren’t going to hit another pipe.”
The Path Forward: What Happens After an Apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship program offers clear progression opportunities. After completion of so many hours, apprentices become eligible for additional opportunities and statuses, some of which might involve testing. While licensing isn’t mandatory at IPCO, it provides additional credentials for those who seek them.
Both apprentices find deep satisfaction in their work, though for different reasons. Landon appreciates making a difference in his community, primarily through infrastructure projects like wastewater systems. Nathan enjoys seeing projects come together, describing the “great feeling when you can finally turn the lights on.”
Despite the physically demanding nature of the work, both apprentices maintain active lives outside IPCO. Landon enjoys hunting, fishing, and shooting, often taking advantage of company outings. Nathan pursues a unique hobby, photographing trains and railroad equipment, a passion inspired by his grandfather’s model train collection.
The future looks bright for both apprentices. Landon aspires to become a Project Manager, while Nathan continues to develop his skills and expertise in the field. Their stories showcase the diverse opportunities available at IPCO and the rewarding nature of a career in electrical contracting.
At IPCO, we’re proud to have apprentices like Landon and Nathan. Their different backgrounds, shared dedication, and growing expertise represent the best of what our apprenticeship program offers. We look forward to seeing how they and all our apprentices will continue to grow and shape our company’s and industry’s future.
Are you curious about starting your career at IPCO as an apprentice? Read more on our Careers page.
