Generation Ready

The Apprenticeship Journey

In a Chattanooga hotel ballroom, 36 apprentices spanning three class cohorts were recognized for completing TVA’s Electrician Apprenticeship program.

They came from different walks of life – some fresh out of high school, others with years of workforce or military experience. But on this day, they stood united under the hard-earned title of journeyman electrician.

For more than a decade, lead instructor Nolan Maychrzak has watched cohorts cross that finish line. His own path began much like theirs – searching for direction, choosing a trade and discovering his purpose.

He understands the sacrifice behind every proud handshake.

“It feels kind of like that big brother,” Maychrzak said. “I’m proud of them and ultimately happy for them. I know what it takes, because I’ve been through it myself.”

Clay Varner at the Electrician Apprenticeship graduation ceremony in Chattanooga.

‘Attitude and Effort’

TVA’s Electrician Apprenticeship condenses five years of classroom instruction and correspondence coursework into a four-year program, pairing it with intensive on-the-job training that accelerates participants into TVA’s workforce.

And interest in the apprentice program continues to rise.

Recent hiring cycles have seen more than 2,000 applicants drawn in by the many benefits that working in the trades provides – a rewarding career, strong camaraderie and meaningful compensation.

Electrician apprentices start around $63,000 in their first year of training and progressively increase to nearly $94,000 by year four. After graduating, they move into electrician roles earning more than $110,000 annually.

Reaching that point requires hard work. Aptitude tests, physical capability assessments, interviews and background checks ensure TVA recruits individuals capable of succeeding in a demanding, high stakes environment.

Once onboarded, apprentices join crews across TVA’s seven-state service region. They learn directly from experienced journeymen in real-world conditions that test their physical and mental capabilities.

 “It’s not easy,” Maychrzak said. “They’re working long hours, trying to complete the coursework and trying to balance family life – it’s like juggling chainsaws.”

Yet those who thrive share two common traits.

“A positive attitude and effort,” Maychrzak said. “Generally speaking, if you’ve got these two things, we can work with you.”

The graduating class at the Electrician Apprenticeship ceremony.

'Bigger than a Job’

These values are woven into the experience of every electrician who completes the apprenticeship journey.

For recent graduate Clay Varner, joining TVA’s workforce is the realization of a childhood dream.

“This job has helped provide many opportunities for my family and myself, including allowing me to learn a skilled trade through both a hands-on and theoretical learning experiences,” Varner said.

Growing up in east Tennessee, Varner has seen how TVA helps serve the Valley region's people.

Now, as a TVA electrician, he’s grateful to be part of a vital team that helps keep power flowing.

“Being a part of TVA is being a part of an organization that assists millions of people with low-cost reliable power," he said. “I have met people while working at TVA who are now like a family to me. I ultimately thank God that during cold winter nights and hot summer days there is reliable power for millions to utilize.”

Like Varner, second-year apprentice Aquanita Snyder grew up hearing about TVA’s impact.

“My grandaddy, the late Marvin Lee Cothron, retired from TVA,” Snyder said. “Seeing the life and stability it provided for him made a big impression on me. I hope one day I’ll be able to follow that same path.”

As an active Army National Guard service member, Snyder sought a career that shared the military values of hard work, discipline and service. Through TVA’s Electrician Apprenticeship, she found exactly that.

“I’m proud to wear the TVA logo because it stands for something bigger than just a job,” Snyder said. “It represents providing reliable power to communities and being part of something people depend on every day.”

For those interested in joining the next apprenticeship cohort, Maychrzak offers this encouragement: Take the leap.

“Not only are you getting compensated while learning a craft, but TVA is a bit unique in that it also covers essentials like your tools, your laptop and PPE,” he said.

“If you’re willing to take an unorthodox career path, go out there, work with your hands and learn a skill or trade, there’s so much opportunity.”