This is part one of a three-part series.

As she gets ready to wrap up her third year in the residential electrician program, Jordan Palumbo takes an immense amount of pride in how far she’s come.

“Day one, I didn’t even know how to cut in an outlet,” Palumbo said. “Now, I am wiring houses and running a bucket truck. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve come a long way.”

After starting on a college path, Palumbo switched gears and was guided in a new career direction. Her dad saw an advertisement in the newspaper searching for electrical apprentices, and Palumbo applied. The rest is history.

Third-year apprentice Jordan Palumbo is grateful for all the lessons she’s learned while on the job site.

VIDEO: Jordan Palumbo discusses her time in the apprenticeship program

During her second year in the program, Palumbo was pregnant with her son, Bodhi. With a true blue-collar attitude, she worked up until she was nine months pregnant.

“That was a challenge,” Palumbo joked.

After giving birth, she took six months off to spend time with her son. When she returned to work, Palumbo was grateful to find a balance as a new parent.

“It was a challenge to be a first-time mom and come back to work. Luckily, my fiancé was off at the time and he got to be home with the baby. I didn’t have to worry about running him to a babysitter.”

While on the job site, Palumbo enjoys the hands-on experience and gets a thrill anytime she gets to use a bucket truck.

“I love going up and doing stuff on OE poles or on top of a house,” Palumbo said. “My favorite part was when I got to wire my first house and doing most of the work myself. I still can’t believe where I am today.”

With just a few job hours left to complete, Palumbo has her eyes set on the future after getting her journeyman’s card.

“I would like to take some time off to enjoy with my son,” she said. “Eventually, I would like to go into the commercial or inspecting side.”

Palumbo feels the lessons and tutelage learned on the job site and at the Youngstown and Warren JATC are second to none.

“It’s very educational. If you have a question, they take the time out to show you how to perform the job correctly. The most important lessons I have learned are to be yourself, work hard and get along with everybody.”

As for those looking to join the electrician trade, Palumbo hopes those who are interested in the field pursue their ambition.

“Go for it. Everybody is really helpful. Females especially, don’t be intimated that it’s a man’s field. Just get out and do it. I have not had a bad experience while I’ve been in the apprenticeship.”