• Posted: June 13, 2024
• Abigail Gonzalez, Apprentice, Apprenticeship Program, better careers, better construction, Chicago, Electrician, Emily Gonzalez, Family legacy, Father's Day, female electrician, IBEW Local 134 Memorial Hall, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, Jose Gonazalez, Sisters in Brotherhood, Washburne Trade School

Jose Gonzalez has been a proud member of IBEW Local 134 for 21 years. When you talk with him, it’s easy to see how passionate he is about the electrical trade and IBEW Local 134. But perhaps what he’s most passionate about and proud of is being a father to his two daughters, Abigail and Emily.

Abigail, now 20 and the oldest of his two daughters, is eight months into the innovative apprenticeship program at IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech), following her father’s example. 

“Seeing my dad go to work and everything, and seeing the benefits that he had, helped me make my decision. The people that I met in my apprenticeship program, I’ll probably have those connections for the rest of my life,” said Abigail Gonzalez.

Jose’s journey into the trades began during high school when a representative from Chicago’s Washburne Trade School visited his drafting class. Curiosity led him to enroll, where he met a mentor who introduced him to the trades. 

“I feel like I was pretty blessed because if I had never been in that drafting class or if I wouldn’t have gone to Washburne, I wouldn’t have received the benefits that I did or met the people in my life who made this all possible,” said Jose.

After working as a carpenter, Jose made the switch to IBEW Local 134, drawn to the strong sense of camaraderie within the organization. He found a true brotherhood, one he is proud to welcome his daughter into. When Abigail initially expressed hesitation about entering the male-dominated field, Jose rallied his IBEW Local 134 sisters to show her just how strong the women’s electrical community is. 

“These women electricians I told you about, they’re coming over,” Jose recalls telling his daughter. 

When they arrived at Jose’s house, he remembers telling Abigail, “All these women are electricians. This is who you thought didn’t exist!” 

Jose feels that experience made a profound impact on Abigail. Today, she’s an enthusiastic apprentice and an active member of the “Sisters in the Brotherhood” women’s union group.

Being part of Local 134 has enabled Jose to be the devoted father he always aspired to be. The strong wages and benefits he earned working as a Local 134 electrician afforded him quality time with his daughters. 

“If I wasn’t at work, I was with them. Unfortunately, we see a lot of movies or family members where the kids say, ‘Dad never has time. He’s always working.’ I try really hard not to tell my daughters no,” said Jose.

His youngest daughter Emily Gonzalez remembers the many road trips her dad was able to take with them while they were growing up. 

“I liked the fact that we just would get up and go. He would just say, ‘Bring a swimsuit. Bring an extra pair of shoes, some sneakers, sunscreen, whatever.’ And then we just go. He wouldn’t even tell us where we were going, which I liked,” said Emily.

As a young girl, Abigail recognized the flexibility and financial security IBEW Local 134 provided her father. Now, she sees the unique opportunity this provides her, especially at her young age. 

“I’m 20 years old, and I have the same great insurance my dad has had for 21 years. I pay for my own apartment and car and have good benefits. People my age usually can’t afford to move out on their own right now,” said Abigail.

Jose shares his daughter’s pride. 

“It’s one thing for her to have these things. But sometimes we think that’s what everybody gets, and that’s how it is for everybody. When you realize it’s not, that’s when you start valuing it more. I think that’s what’s happening with her,” said Jose.

This Father’s Day, Jose reflects on his legacy, not just as an electrician, but as a devoted father and role model. 

“This career with the IBEW has made so many things possible for my family. I’m proud my daughter is now experiencing that, too,” said Jose.

Powering Chicago is committed to better construction and better careers, continuously investing in its members’ training. The innovative apprenticeship program for future Powering Chicago electricians at IN-Tech is an example of this commitment. To learn more about what it takes to become an IBEW Local 134 apprentice, check out this behind-the-scenes video showcasing the apprenticeship program.