New hand. Journeyman. Veteran. Three IBEW members in the construction branch from across the experience spectrum have been selected for excellence by an online news magazine.

Hour Power awarded Omaha, Neb., Local 22 member Dave Nisley as journeyman mentor of the year, Dublin, Calif., Local 595 member Melvin Switzer was named instructor of the year and Albuquerque, N.M., Local 611 member Daniel Trujillo was selected apprentice of the year. All were honored at the IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference in Washington, D.C., in April.

Nisley, an active member of Local 22, is "committed to becoming a better electrician every day," said Business Manager Gary Kelly.

"Dave goes out of his way to impart his knowledge of the craft to fellow journeymen and apprentices," said IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill. "He simply makes those around him better at their own jobs."

Switzer, an apprenticeship instructor, spent years in the field before joining the Alameda Electrical JATC.

"Mel's passion for the electrical trade is paralleled only by his dedication to teaching his craft," said Local 595 Business Manger Victor Uno. "Mel's work ethic and skills are invaluable to the apprentices and journeymen learning from him in the classroom."

A newly-graduated journeyman lineman who topped out of the Southwestern Line Constructors Joint Apprenticeship program, Trujillo is already a valued member of his local.

"He can handle any problem you throw at him and does his job with the pride and professionalism that is so emblematic of all of our IBEW brothers and sisters," said Local 611 Business Manager Chris Frentzel.

For more, visit www.ibewhourpower.com.