The journey from apprentice to Local Union leader began with an interview.
Allan Shepard can remember sitting in the Hall at 110 Exchange St. in Portland, waiting to go into his interview. He was nervous as he anxiously awaited his opportunity to take the next step in the application process.
The next day, Shepard returned to his regular job performing heavy road construction in New Hampshire, unsure whether or not he was accepted into the Local’s apprenticeship program.
“After a few days, my wife drove to where I was working on the Kancamagus Highway and told me she received notice I was accepted Into the apprenticeship,” said Shepard.
He continued with this job until he got a call to go to work in Berwick.
IBEW Local 490 needed a first-year apprentice to work on remodeling an old sneaker plant to accommodate Pratt & Whitney.
Since then, Shepard has been fortunate enough to work on many jobs throughout the years with “awesome Brothers and Sisters.”
Shortly after he completed his first year of apprenticeship classes, he was sworn in as a member of Local 567.
“Over the years, I have watched this Local Union go through boom times and difficult slow times, but have always been proud to be a part of the IBEW and Local 567,” he said.
As a member of IBEW Local 567, Shepard became active In legislative affairs, always keeping the IBEW on the forefront of political action, which he hoped benefited all members.
For several years, he served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Maine AFL-CIO, representing Local Unions at the state and federal levels.
Shepard tried to be active in the Local, holding a position on the Executive Board, eventually becoming president. Currently, he is the treasurer.
He was also the Organizer for several years, promoting the IBEW and apprenticeship.
Since 2000, Shepard has been an instructor at the JACT, where he teaches first, second and third-year apprentices. He has served as an OSHA 500 instructor and taught the NEC code update since the 1999 cycle. Among other topics, he also provided training was ARC flash training NFPA 70 E, scissor and boom lift training, MV cable splicing and ground resistance testing.
Eventually, Shepard was appointed to the Training Director position, filling the shoes of long time Local 567 Training Director Don Berry.
“Through all of this, I have been proud and grateful for what the IBEW has provided for me and my family,” he said. “The many friendships and true comradery is directly due to my belonging to a union.”
Currently, Shepard is running work for Milliken Brothers at NWNA Poland Spring, where he is working with a great team.
