hours of on-the-job learning, paired with rigorous classroom instruction, creates highly qualified JW electricians ready to serve the region. The program welcomes men and women of all ages. Some come straight from high school looking for a reliable career path, while others join later in life, eager for a new direction and work that offers both stability and purpose. The message is simple: anyone willing to work hard, learn the trade, and commit to safety can thrive here. In 2013, Jarrod Shadowen stepped into the role of leading the apprenticeship program, and his passion for education has shaped its success ever since. His goal is not only to teach technical skills, but to instill a mindset of caution, precision, and responsibility, which is the foundation of a safe and respected trade. He speaks with pride about the apprentices who come through the program. When asked if any particular graduate stands out, he refuses to single anyone out. “The spotlight is for everyone and the hard work they put into this,” he says. That collective pride reflects the culture of Paducah JATC. Each apprentice’s achievements contribute to the strength of the IBEW and NECA, the region’s safety, and the future of the workforce. No single effort can stand alone. As Jarrod explains, “It takes a customer to be willing to use organized labor, and it takes contractors and their workers to build relationships and maintain reliability.” This year brought a major milestone: a 12,000 square foot addition to the training facility was completed in June, giving apprentices more learning space, more resources, and a modern environment ready for the next generation. The timing couldn’t be more important. The demand for electricians continues to climb nationwide, and the IBEW/NECA partnership is preparing to meet those needs with a strong local workforce by keeping jobs and economic power in Western Kentucky. The Paducah JATC’s impact reaches well beyond the doors of the training center. Representatives regularly visit area high schools, speaking with students about career possibilities they may not have considered. Job fairs and community events help shine a light on what the electrical trade can provide: financial stability, respected skills, and a future built with purpose. With competitive wages and strong benefits, the IBEW and NECA offers a true pathway to the middle class. That makes a profound difference, not just for workers, but for families and communities across the entire region. By training local talent and providing union-supported careers, IBEW/NECA partnership keeps skilled electrical work right here at home. Instead of importing labor or outsourcing major projects, the community relies on experts who live, work, and raise their families in the same cities they help power. The trade isn’t for everyone, as it requires stamina, attention to detail, and a commitment to lifelong learning, but for those willing to put in the effort, the reward is a career built on respect and a chance to play a vital role in shaping the community’s future. Paducah JATC isn’t just training electricians. They’re lighting the way for Western Kentucky’s next generation of leaders, workers, and neighbors - one apprentice at a time. SUPPORT BUSINESSES THAT MAKE OUR MISSION POSSIBLE INTHEVUE.COM | DECEMBER 2025 95 2975 Old Husbands Road Paducah, KY 42003 270.415.1885 www.hughesfuneral.com ©VUE2025 Whether they are with you in person or in spirit. Whether this year has been a season of loss, or a season of joy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. It's not the presents that make Christmas so special, it's the presence of those we love.
December 2025
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