As a business agent for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.), Stephen Gandy helps train the next generation of electricians. Gandy serves on I.B.E.W.’s Executive Board and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). He helps maintain a connection with students interested in the field by working closely with Camden County Technical Schools’ (CCTS) Electric program. The commitment he shows to developing the future workforce has earned him and the I.B.E.W. Local 351 the honor of CCTS’ 2023 Business Partner of the Year.
Gandy is a member of CCTS’ Career Program Advisory Committee, attending every meeting and offering insight into the future of the electrical industry, new tools and equipment and general trends. He is an invaluable resource to CCTS administrators and instructors. But the greatest contribution Gandy and the I.B.E.W. offer CCTS is providing students with a career in the industry. Gandy visits the classrooms and explains the I.B.E.W. Local 351 Candidates Program to those interested in the field. He also advocates for CCTS students when it is time to select candidates for the I.B.E.W. Local 351.
Gandy has been involved with CCTS for about 10 years and recently hosted a tour for the school’s Electric career program students at the I.B.E.W. JATC Training Center. During the tour, the students learned more about the electrical trades, reviewed the I.B.E.W. Local 351 jurisdictional boundary, navigated the Local 351 website and spoke of the importance of communication, attendance, grades and being on time when it comes to work and school. They also received tips on the application process and different approaches that can lead to a successful interview.
“I was very impressed with this group,” said Gandy. “I can honestly say it is rare for us to have an entire group engage in productive conversation. The professionalism displayed by the students is admirable, and they should all be commended.”
Last February, CCTS held a Building Trades Exploration Panel during Career and Technical Education month so 110 seniors could learn from successful people in the industry. Gandy was on the panel and shared experiences, information and answered questions for more than an hour.
“Anytime CCTS has an event that benefits our students, or just a question related to the electrical industry, Mr. Gandy has gone above and beyond to help us accomplish what is needed,” said Brett Fetty, principal of college programs, admissions and career development at CCTS. “We are immensely grateful for Mr. Gandy’s feedback and support of CCTS and our growth.”
