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November 26, 2018

APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT: Ryan Slayton, Denver Water

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This month meet IECRM 3rd Year and Denver Water Apprentice, Ryan Slayton

About…

Ryan Slayton is in his third year at IECRM and is an apprentice with Denver Water, the water utility company that serves 1.4 million people in the City of Denver and many of its surrounding suburbs.  Denver Water is celebrating its centennial this year.

Ryan’s electrical career began fixing tanning beds for a national chain of tanning salons.  He worked there a couple of years and then was presented with the opportunity to work temporarily at Denver Water.  He started in the electrical shop and after about a year, was offered a job as a full-time apprentice. A year later, Ryan enrolled at IECRM.  “I am really enjoying my training at the school as well as my instructors,” he says. “I’m very excited about becoming an electrician!”

Favorite job…

Ryan recently earned his NICET 1 Fire Alarm Certification.  Currently, he’s working on installing a fire alarm system at Denver Water’s Winter Park facility.

“My favorite project was installing infrared heating lights on the Williams Fork Dam for the water release valves!,” says Ryan. Williams Fork Dam & Power Plant sends water and electricity to the West Slope when Denver diverts water to the city. Standing 217 feet above the Williams Fork River streambed, the dam backs up a reservoir of nearly 97,000 acre-feet of water, and the power plant contains a 3,158-kilowatt generator.

Williams Fork Reservoir’s surface area is 1,860 acres with a 15.8-mile shoreline.  Working at a location like Williams Fork Reservoir during the winter means bearing temperatures as low as 40 below zero.  “My infrared installations are part of a system that helps to keep the dam free from icing after each storm so that it can remain online in any weather, especially winter.

Most successful work habits…

My most successful work habits start with just showing up and being grateful, with a great attitude and happy to be healthy enough to work! I like to repeat a saying I hear, “if you do what is easy life will be hard, but if you do what is hard life will be easy.” I just try to work hard and everything else will work out! 

Heroes…

 “My hero is Tony Robbins,  the well-known entrepreneur, best-selling author and respected business strategist,” says Ryan.  “I look up to people who can encourage others to never settle for a negative attitude, because you are in control of your life and it’s your responsibility to make it worthwhile and thrive in today’s tough world!”

Best advice for apprentices, high school students and colleagues…

“Life is going to give you exactly what you put into it, so work hard. Trade schools and college are both great. It’s up to you to decide what and who you want to be,” Ryan advises. “College takes longer and costs way more. So my advice? Start in the trades work hard, make some good money and if you still feel unfulfilled, go to college!” 

 

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.