My name is Max Pena and I'm out of local 53 and I've been in the apprenticeship for four years. 

What made you apply to MoValley? 

MoValley seemed to be a little bit more well put together than some of the others as I was reading through about the other apprenticeships and it covered the state that I was living in which was a huge factor but yeah the fact that it was kind of seemed to be setting the model for some of the other apprenticeships to be following after I think. 

Our apprenticeship demands a lot out of individuals. Do you think it's worthwhile? 

Yeah absolutely, absolutely I do. I think often I don't know how people that don't do this trade are able to sustain themselves with how expensive everything is getting and how we're able to continually get pay increases to match the cost of living. 

How has being an IBW member impacted your life? 

The benefits have been great. I've had two kids since getting into the trade and I don't know how I would have been able to afford that prior to getting in and it's nice knowing that there's going to be something for them when you know I'm no longer around or I'm old and crippled and can't do it no more. 

What advice would you give to someone coming into this trade? 

You have to develop some thick skin because some of these individuals you're going to be working with are a little rough around the edges but it is a ever-evolving trade and I think it's important that you get people in that know how to communicate and can bring a new perspective in and if you're able to take your licks and make it through and become a journeyman then I think that's one of the key factors that's going to keep this trade evolving.