The 2024 IBEW Hour Power Apprentice of the Year Award doesn't typically go to a second-year apprentice. But Kayla Cordaro, a York, Pa., Local 229 member, already has proven herself to be a top-tier student, and now she has the chance to bring a new tradition to next year's winner.
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| The Apprentice of the Year award isn’t typically given to second-year students, but Cordaro “embodies everything that we look for in an apprentice," said Phil Lamison, Local 229's training director. "Her potential is through the roof." |
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| Cordaro came to the trade through a pre-apprenticeship at her high school. "It really sparked my interest," she said. "That's when I realized I had a passion for it.” |
"She embodies everything that we look for in an apprentice. Her potential is through the roof," said Phil Lamison, Local 229's training director. "All of the blood, sweat and tears are paying off, and she deserves everything that this award has to offer. I cannot wait to see where she goes in her career."
While Cordaro has quickly taken to the electrical trade, it's not what she initially saw herself doing after high school. Like a lot of students, she was planning to go to college. But when a shop teacher told her about a pre-apprenticeship, she applied and was accepted.
"It really sparked my interest," Cordaro said. "That's when I realized I had a passion for it. The idea behind electricity really interests me."
Cordaro isn't just excelling in the apprenticeship. She's also an active member of the union, volunteering and attending Labor Day events and getting involved with a women's group run by a local contractor. She also plans to visit Philadelphia Local 98 to meet with representatives from its women's groups.
"It's good for women to have a space to come together and share their experiences," she said. "And I'm happy to do whatever I can to build bridges and help get the word out about what the IBEW is doing."
Despite her multiple talents and proven acumen, Cordaro said she was surprised when Lamison called to tell her that she'd won Apprentice of the Year.
"I was actually laid off when I found out," she said. "It's all been a little overwhelming, but mostly it's been awesome."
For Lamison, who nominated Cordaro, it was an easy decision. The nomination process included an essay on why she'd be a good candidate, followed by a phone interview. It wasn't difficult to make the case that she should win, he said.
"She is an exceptional apprentice, as well as a success story from our pre-apprenticeship," Lamison said. "The first time I met her, she was still in high school and came to interview for our apprenticeship, which is six people in a room firing questions at the applicants. I've seen a lot of people crumble from nerves in the process. She is still the best interview I have seen. From that point, she has exceeded all expectations and continues to do so."
Still, that sense of shock and being overwhelmed isn't unique to Cordaro. It's a sentiment that Baltimore Local 24 member Jack Powell can relate to, as well. As the 2023 Apprentice of the Year winner, he knows what it feels like to be honored for something he never expected to get special recognition for. So in an effort to quell the future winner's nerves and give them an idea of what it's like to be filmed by Hour Power, which produces videos to highlight IBEW membership for the public, Powell penned a letter for the next recipient.
"It was a very cool experience, but it was also a lot," he said of winning. "With the letter, I wanted to give the next person some insight into what it's like. I also wanted to congratulate them for all their hard work and let them know that it's an achievement they should be proud of."
Cordaro got the letter at the Construction and Maintenance Conference in Washington, D.C., in April, where she also received a plaque and gave a speech. It was a welcome salve to a nerve-wracking day.
"The letter was an amazing surprise," Cordaro said. "I thought it was really touching."
Like Cordaro, Powell has been active in his local and currently works as an organizer.
"Organizing is my passion. I love talking to people and telling them about the benefits of a union. It's cool how life-changing it is," said the former oyster shucker. "I want to do all I can to help grow Local 24."
That pride in being an IBEW member was imbued in the letter. For Cordaro, it was another example of the solidarity she's experienced since joining the union.
"Even though the IBEW is so big, there's an amazing community there to help each other out," she said. "It's nice to know that everyone has someone in their back pocket."
In addition to offering Cordaro advice and congratulations, Powell urged her to write a letter of her own to next year's winner, which Cordaro said she plans to do.
"I definitely want to continue the tradition," she said. "It meant a lot to get it, and I want to do that for the next person."
That sense of camaraderie, along with a strong skill set, is what makes Cordaro stand out, said Local 229 Business Manager Tom Henchey.
"I remember when I first met her. I knew then and there that she'd be fantastic," Henchey said. "She's very self-motivated and not easily deterred. The sky's the limit with her."
Cordaro's success has also helped shine a light on Local 229.
"We are a small local, and to get recognized nationally is a huge honor," Lamison said. "We always try to do our best and work hard, and to know that we are appreciated like this means the world to us."
Now that the filming is over, Cordaro is back to focusing on her apprenticeship. As for the letter, she's still thinking about what she'll say.
"It's early, but I'll probably share my experience and wish them luck, and let them know that the film crew will put you at ease and make a great product, which is a cool summary of you to have," she said. "And I'll encourage them to stay open to all the possibilities out there."
To see the video of Cordaro, as well as previous winners, go to ibewhourpower.com. To nominate someone for the 2025 award, go to ibewhourpower.com/awards.