Spark The Trade

In this episode, Noah from Spanky the Sparky interviews Johnny Rivera, a member of IBEW Local 479 in Beaumont, Texas. Johnny shares his journey from non-union to union work, emphasizing the significant benefits he has experienced since joining the union. He discusses the lack of benefits in non-union jobs, such as retirement plans and job security, and contrasts this with the support and protections offered by union membership. Johnny highlights the importance of having a voice in the workplace and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a union, illustrating how solidarity can positively impact working conditions and personal lives.
The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding union work, especially in right-to-work states like Texas. Johnny shares personal anecdotes about the support he received from his union brothers and sisters during difficult times, reinforcing the idea that union membership fosters a strong sense of community. The episode concludes with Johnny encouraging non-union electricians to consider the long-term benefits of joining a union, particularly regarding retirement and job security, and reflects on the importance of transparency in the trades to combat misinformation.

In this episode, Noah from Spanky The Sparky interviews Alex Wakeland, a seasoned member of the IBEW Local 145, who shares his journey from aspiring psychologist to contractor lineman. Alex discusses the importance of transparency in the trades and the need for better communication about the realities of working in this field. He emphasizes the value of conversations like theirs in breaking down misinformation and educating potential entrants into the trades. Alex also introduces his initiative, JNCTN (pronounced junction), a platform designed to create a universal credentialing system that follows workers rather than companies, aiming to streamline the hiring process and enhance worker mobility across different job sites.
As the conversation progresses, Alex elaborates on the challenges faced by linemen, particularly in storm work, and how Junction aims to address these issues by providing verifiable credentials that can be accessed in real-time, even without internet access. He highlights the potential for Junction to revolutionize the industry by ensuring that workers' credentials are recognized across different states and companies, thus reducing the bureaucratic burden on workers. The discussion also touches on the role of unions in adapting to technological advancements and the importance of data ownership for workers, advocating for the IBEW to take a leading role in this transformation.

Take a dive into the life of IBEW 683 journeyman Tad Millington. With over 15 total years in the electrical field, with a many of those being non-union we discuss the big differences between union and non-union electrical work.

Josh Nieves is an IBEW local 3 journeyman. IBEW local 3 is based in New York City. We talk about his rise through the ranks from Apprentice, to journeyman, to superintendent.

We discuss challenges in the trades, the short falls, and how social media plays a critical component in attracting new talent into the trades.

Take a dive with my as I interview current IBEW 176 journeyman wireman Phil Darin out of Joliet, Illinois. Follow his journey from college graduate at the University of Illinois to a journeyman inside wireman.

I chat with Jayson Richardson from Cleveland Builds - a non profit based in Cleveland, Ohio that gets individuals ready for union apprenticeships through their pre apprenticeship programs.

In Episode 1 of Spark The Trade, I sit down with Brody Rutledge — better known online as Union Strong — to have a real conversation about the trades.We get into the realities of working in the skilled trades, what people don’t see from the outside, and the conversations that actually matter to those in the field. No fluff, no corporate spin — just honest talk from someone living it.This series is about bringing transparency to the trades, sharing real experiences, and highlighting the people who keep this industry moving.If you’re in the trades, thinking about getting in, or just want a real perspective from the field, this one’s for you.