Local journeyman Chase Blackburn will be recognized at a ceremony for winning the 2025 IBEW National Apprentice of the Year award. The event, hosted by IBEW Local Union 453, is scheduled for December 11 at 4 p.m. at the IBEW Headquarters on East Division Street in Springfield.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) presents this award annually to one apprentice selected from about 55,000 apprentices across the country. The recognition aims to highlight the significance of apprentices and their contribution as future leaders in the electrical field. Blackburn was nominated by another apprentice and has acknowledged those who supported his training.
“This award isn’t just about me; it’s about the people who took the time to teach me the trade and show me what it means to be a good brother and a leader. This is a win for Local 453 and the high standard our members set every day,” Chase said.
Kevin McGill, Business Manager for IBEW Local Union 453, commented on Blackburn’s achievement: “Chase made a decision early in his apprenticeship that this was an opportunity for a career, and he applied himself in the classroom and on the job site. His willingness to lead by example along with his work ethic and problem-solving abilities have been pointed out by many coworkers.”
IBEW Training Director Bryan Hensley added: “Chase is an excellent example of what we are looking for in our next generation of Journeyman Wiremen. Because of Chase, and many others like him, our organization has a bright future.”
The IBEW was established over 130 years ago, while Local Union 453 has served its community for 95 years. Blackburn is noted as being the first apprentice from Springfield to receive this national honor. He accepted his award recently during a conference held in Washington DC.
The public is invited to attend the upcoming celebration honoring Blackburn’s accomplishment.
