Making a recent move from laborer to electrician apprentice, Alex Franco is charged up about the opportunity for growth at the Belt, noting, “This is my calling.”

Franco is being mentored by Electricians Louis Cook and Jason Wiorek and leaders such as Assistant Superintendent Nate Smith, who are guiding him through various techniques, troubleshooting and blueprint reading.

Prior to joining the Belt three years ago, Franco worked as a diesel technician. While locomotives present different challenges than semitrucks, he said the overlap in systems such as air brakes and diesel engines allows many skills to translate. 

“I’m seeing and learning new things every day,” Franco said.

As part of his apprenticeship, Franco says he appreciates the Belt’s safety culture where co-workers help and look out for one another.

Away from work, Franco enjoys spending time with his wife, JaVanna, and their sons, Santino, 2, and Marcio, 3 months old. He also likes fishing with his children and taking them to the park.