Encore Electric is building the next generation of electrical contractors through its paid apprenticeship program, which provides hands-on training and classroom instruction to foster skills and knowledge in this in-demand field. After graduating from the four-year program, Encore Electric Apprentices in Utah can take the journeyman’s licensing exam to earn the status of an electrician.
Encore Electric apprentices like Xavier Dixon are gaining the technical expertise and capabilities to safely deliver construction projects all of sizes. Xavier is apprenticing with Encore Electric in Utah, where the team works on complex projects in the data center, logistics, life sciences/healthcare and advanced manufacturing industries. Xavier shares how Encore Electric supports his professional growth and personal well-being with a caring workplace culture and opportunities to make a difference in Utah communities.
Why did you decide to join Encore Electric?
Despite having seven years of electrical experience, none of my previous companies gave me the opportunity to go to a trade school. Encore Electric has, and I’m just finishing my first year of the apprenticeship program. This not only helps me learn and grow in my career but opens me up to more opportunities. I’m so grateful for the experience.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Encore Electric?
I like the melting pot of different personalities. There’s no shortage of unique people on a jobsite, and each site brings together different people, experiences and learning opportunities. The other thing I really appreciate about Encore Electric is that it’s a supportive place to work – from the free classroom education to the paid on-the-job training. It’s really helping me become more confident in myself and my capabilities with each project.
What project at Encore Electric has been most meaningful to you?
The project that meant the most to me was at my first job site with Encore Electric. I experienced some mental health issues that turned into an emergency and all the people of Encore Electric, from my on-site colleagues to those at corporate headquarters, were there to help at a drop of a hat. Most companies probably wouldn’t care as much – but Encore Electric supported me from beginning to end. With their support, I was able to resolve some of my health issues and continue to heal from others.
There’s a skilled trade workforce shortage. What would you say to encourage others to consider a career in the electrical industry?
Out here in the field, we like to get things done. Especially at Encore Electric, there’s a “do whatever it takes to get the job done right the first time” attitude that ensures we take care of our customers. At the same time, there’s no shortage of laughs and good times. So the electrical trade is an enjoyable and rewarding career path. Plus, the skills you learn will come in handy for the rest of your life.
What skills and attitude are most needed to succeed in your daily work?
The skills that have helped me in the electrical trade are a good attention span, ability to keep learning, basic math and a great sense of humor.
How has Encore Electric in Utah supported your career?
Encore Electric has created an environment of learning. If there’s something you are curious about or want to know, chances are Encore Electric has a resource to help you learn about it. The company keeps its training updated with all sorts of education materials and video lessons. And if you need more, you can just ask anyone. If the person you asked doesn’t know, they will know someone who does.
Encore Electric also genuinely cares about your personal development and well-being. Most companies will let you know in the orientation at the start of your employment about your benefits. But Encore Electric keeps telling you about your benefits – it could be an email with tips on how to save on insurance or a reminder about an upcoming meeting about your 401k, but the bottom line is that Encore Electric has helped me grow as a person, not just in work but in life as well.
Anything else interesting that you’d like to share about your career journey?
I have a lot of fun in the electrical trade. There have been hard times, tired times and stressful times. But there are also fun times, great times and mentality-changing times thrown in the mix. I wouldn’t change it. I’m seven years in with more years to come!
Interested in exploring Utah electrical jobs and joining Xavier Dixon and the Encore Electric team in Utah? Contact Nick Jennings at Nick.Jennings@EncoreElectric.com.