Four recipients from TEP were recognized at the 62nd annual David G. Hollis Outstanding Apprentice Awards Ceremony, which celebrates all industry apprenticeship programs throughout the state. Meet these skilled workers recognized for their outstanding commitment to their craft.
Nikolas “Nik” Svenson
Nik was determined to get a foot in the door at TEP, so he started with entry level jobs, including as an office administrative assistant and a mail clerk job. But Nik had his eyes set on a different role.
“I just realized the opportunity,” Nik said. “There are not a ton of opportunities in Tucson for a steady career where you can learn and grow professionally.”
This year, in addition to recognition as one of the state’s Outstanding Apprentices, Nik was selected as TEP’s Transmission & Distribution Outstanding Apprentice Award winner.
Nik had “zero experience” when he was accepted into the Electronics and Communications Pre-apprenticeship in 2019.
“I had the potential to learn something kind of niche and jumped at the opportunity,” he said.
The timing was challenging, as the pandemic hit shortly after his apprenticeship training began. He received a six-month extension, which he saw as a chance to learn and grow more.
His career path gave him opportunities to do multiple tasks, including climbing towers and visiting remote locations. “It was pretty eye opening since there are a lot of demands physically, mentally and professionally.”
Nikolas has developed strong relationships across the department, earning respect through his positive attitude and teamwork,” the award nomination said.
Nikolas became a Journeyman in December 2024. “It’s nice to have that confidence, when you get to the point where you feel you have that responsibility.”
Thomas Guillen
Thomas wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in high school, but he had no doubts once he decided to work at TEP: He wanted to join our Substations team.
“We dabble in everything,” Thomas said. “I love it. It’s something new every day and I never stop learning.”
Thomas’ willingness to learn and his leadership were noted in his award nomination.
“You can train and educate someone on the ins and outs of the work we do. Anyone can do the work at its core, but you cannot train someone in the willingness to learn, the humility and pride, the respect for the work and process or the understanding and commitment to the job. Thomas has all of these,” the award application states.
Thomas first came to the company in 2013 as a temporary worker at the Tucson Power Plant, later earning a permanent role, then an apprenticeship.
“I try to be the best at my job,” Thomas said.
After a seven-year apprenticeship, Thomas became a Journeyman in February. “It’s a sigh of relief that the apprenticeship is done. But you get a new set of feelings, like you are responsible now. You need to be a leader and have answers.”
Of the award, Thomas said: “It’s nice to have some recognition of the hard work we put in.”
Aaron Sherwood
A longtime welder for the company, Aaron decided to pursue an apprenticeship to become a Power Generation Electrician / Instrumentation and Controls Technician.
“I liked the satisfaction of completing the project,” Aaron said. “I had been in the field for a long time as a welder. I wanted to learn a new trade. I’m always looking for a challenge.”
His nomination form noted Aaron’s giving of “100 percent regardless of the situation.”
“His willingness to always be prepared, diligence in working together with his peers to solve problems, and willingness to take the lead and jump into situations have shown that he is a respected and valuable teammate and potential future leader,” the nomination states.
After spending 12 years in Utah, where he studied diesel mechanics, Aaron joined TEP in 2007.
The recognition filled him with pride, he said. “It makes you feel good to get something for your hard work,” Aaron said.
Andrew Sutton
Growing up, Andrew always wanted to fix or build things himself. That determination to learn inspired him to pursue an apprenticeship.
Andrew graduated as a Journeyman Maintenance Mechanic earlier this year.
In his nomination form, Andrew was described as a well-prepared consensus finder and thought-process leader.
“Andrew believes in his craft and his fellow craftsmen. He will find a way to accomplish the goals and tasks safely. He is proud of his craft and wants to grow his skill set. He practices this daily,” the nomination form states.
In his role, he enjoys diagnosing problems and restoring equipment to working order.
“We put a lot of hard work into this apprenticeship. It was nice to see that recognized,” Andrew said of the award.
