Ten years ago, Jesse O’Brien knew almost nothing about electrical work. Today he’s a project manager. Here’s how ABC San Diego training helped get him there.
A Search for Something Sustainable
Ten years ago, Jesse O’Brien knew very little about electrical work. But he was clear on one thing: he wanted a sustainable career—one that would allow him to support a family, grow professionally, and provide options for the future.
At the time, Jesse was working for a nonprofit organization that addressed food insecurity. He had some exposure to construction through his father, a general contractor, but working in the field as an electrician was entirely new territory.
Still, he wasn’t daunted by the challenge.
“I wanted something for myself that would have allowed me to support a family and have plenty of room to grow,” Jesse says.
Learning from the Ground Up
That opportunity came when he joined Andrews Brothers Electric Inc. At the time, the company had just four employees in the field. O’Brien was given the chance to learn from the ground up, with experienced electricians who took the time to show him the ropes.
Jesse started with the basics: getting familiar with the job site and locating materials needed by the more experienced electricians. As he became more comfortable with the work, he was given more responsibility, learning to wire switches and outlets and gradually taking on increasingly complex tasks.
Where the Classroom Meets the Jobsite
Andrews Brothers supported his education in another way, paying for Jesse to complete four years of electrical training through ABC’s programs.
Eric Andrews, owner of Andrews Brothers, says ABC’s training programs have benefited the organization as a whole as it seeks to offer a path toward success for many individuals entering the field.
“We have had great success with the years we have done business with ABC. The classroom knowledge that these apprentices get is so valuable for us as we are working hard to get them the field training they need,” says Eric.
For Jesse, combining classroom education with hands-on experience was an important part of his development. In the classroom, he learned electrical theory, codes and other concepts that complemented what he was learning on the job. He also found that the small size of Andrews Brothers gave him opportunities to develop his skills quickly.
“I think it gives you a lot more access to honing in your skills or progressing in the career faster,” he says. “It’s a lot more one-on-one.”
“I went through all of it and went from the bottom all the way up to where I’m at now, without that groundwork, my job now would be a lot tougher.”
From the Field to Foreman to the Front Office
Jesse spent eight years working in the field on projects in San Diego and throughout Orange County. He progressed to become one of the company’s top foremen before moving into the office and taking on a larger role in helping grow the business.
Today—10 years after he started—Jesse is a Project Manager and oversees Business Development for Andrews Brothers. His field experience remains an important part of his job. When electricians encounter a problem or have questions about a project, he can draw on his own experience to help them find a solution.
“I went through all of it and went from the bottom all the way up to where I’m at now,” he says. “Without that groundwork, my job now would be a lot tougher.”
A Foundation No One Can Take Away
For Jesse, the career has delivered what he originally hoped for—and more. He says he has never used his college degree, while his education and experience in construction have afforded him a career, allowing him to support himself and his family while continuing to grow professionally.
Now he has something that “no one can take away from me,” which is knowledge he has learned—knowledge he can leverage to achieve long-term success.
Electrical work, he says, provides that kind of foundation. The skills and knowledge he has gained continue to open doors for him, from working in the field to becoming a foreman and now managing projects and helping guide other electricians.
His Advice: Give It a Shot
His advice to anyone considering construction is simple: at least give it a try.
“If you’re on the fence, give it a shot and try it out,” Jesse says. “You never know until you try.”
