FTI Youth Apprentice and His Mentor

FTI’s youth apprenticeship program gives high school students hands-on experience, professional mentorship and a head start in building their career in the electrical trade. To offer a deeper look into the value of this program, we recently spoke with two of our own team members who embody the program’s success: Ethan Entringer, a current youth apprentice, and Will Scharl, a licensed superintendent and mentor at FTI. Their perspectives shed light on how the program shapes both mentees and mentors, as well as its lasting impact on careers in the electrical trade.

Ethan’s Journey: Start EARLY, Dream BIG

Ethan’s interest in the electrical trade began in 2018 while helping his father build a cabin. Observing other electricians during that project left a lasting impression on him, piquing his interest in pursuing FTI’s youth apprenticeship program as a high school sophomore. Ethan reached out to Will, his football coach, who he knew worked at FTI. With support from him, FTI’s Talent team and his high school, Ethan joined FTI and started accumulating apprenticeship hours before graduating – a rare opportunity in the trade. The experience allowed him to gain hands-on knowledge and attend training at FTI, contributing to projects like running full new substations. He’s learned essential skills like conduit bending and the value of mentorship for improving efficiency.

Ethan advises others considering a youth apprenticeship: “Start early, ask questions and be open-minded. Always be willing to help – it goes a long way.”

Will’s Perspective: Building Future Leaders

With nearly 29 years at FTI, Will understands the power of mentorship. As a graduate of FTI’s apprenticeship program, he’s spent decades guiding apprentices on jobsites. Will became a mentor because of the guidance he received early in his career. “I wasn’t paired with a specific mentor, but many stepped up to help. Now I want to give back,” he says. His approach focuses on encouraging curiosity and proactivity, telling apprentices, “Be a sponge – ask questions and learn every day.”

Will finds watching apprentices like Ethan grow professionally and personally one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring.

Why Choose FTI’s Youth Apprenticeship Program?

FTI’s youth apprenticeship program combines education, hands-on training and mentorship, offering participants the chance to earn while they learn and build valuable networks in the trade. Ethan’s early start solidified his career choice, and Will finds fulfillment in shaping the next generation of professionals. Together, they demonstrate the program’s dual benefits – providing young people with a head start on their career while giving seasoned professionals a chance to mentor and give back.

As Ethan works toward graduating high school this May and becoming a journeyman electrician, and Will continues mentoring future apprentices, their experiences highlight the importance of networking, starting programs you’re interested in early and committing to continuous learning.

Interested in a career in the electrical trade or exploring the hands-on opportunities at FTI? Whether you’re a curious high school student like Ethan or a seasoned professional like Will, there’s a place for you in our growing company. We’d love to tell you more about our career development program offerings!