Dawn Marie Vetterl Turns an Opportunity into a Career

By: Cathy Padilla | July 2, 2022 |  Local |  Middletown

The name of the IBEW has always been a symbol of the electrical industry’s best, a standard that has been achieved through education, training, safety, and craftsmanship.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 400 was chartered into existence in 1917 in Asbury Park and has since offered individuals who are accepted into an apprenticeship the opportunity to “earn while they learn,” attending school in the evenings while working in the field during the day. Long-time Middletown resident Dawn Marie Vetterl took her son for such an opportunity and decided to jump in herself. Now she is an Electrician Foreman and was named IBEW Local 400 Apprentice of the Year.

“I chose this type of work because I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands,” shared Dawn. “I became friendly with some of the guys from local 400. I loved the stories they would tell about their work and I found myself a bit jealous of all they accomplish.”

With a background in teaching, Dawn thought education would be her passion. Her apprenticeship and subsequent career were unexpected, but something she finds more fulfilling than her past endeavors.

“First off, I’m passionate about learning and in this industry there’s always something new to learn,” said Dawn. “I enjoy working side by side with brothers/sisters, there are a lot of amazing people in this industry. I also like how each job is different. I get to experience different aspects of electrical work and travel to different areas in New Jersey. I love that I can get up in the morning and actually enjoy going to work.”

Older than the average apprentice, Dawn shrugged off the offer to enter the program when she took her son to the union hall to sign up.

“I kind of laughed because I’m a bit older and a woman,” said Dawn. “I really thought about it over the next year and asked myself ‘why not?’ Like I said, I love working with my hands. Thanks to my Dad I know how to use tools. I always enjoyed putting my kids’ toys together, working on my car, and just tinkering around with different things. I finally decided to give it a try. It seemed like a big challenge, but at this point in my life I wanted more for myself. After taking the entrance exam, I was informed that I had passed and went for the interview. When I found out I was accepted, I was ecstatic and also extremely nervous. I really didn’t know what to expect.”

Five years of hard work both in the field and in the classroom has paid off, and with each year Dawn’s confidence grows.

“I have found that, like with any challenge, you have to find a way to overcome,” shared Dawn. “I received the honor of Apprentice of the Year. That is based on grades over the five-year period. The different journeymen that I was teamed up with on numerous jobs each taught me different things to help me succeed, and I appreciate all the tricks of the trade and knowledge they bestowed on me. Now it’s my turn to pass on that knowledge.”