When IBEW 1245 awarded Jamaurae Birden the Jairus Ayeta Line School Scholarship in October 2025, he was ready to take the next step toward his career. Less than a year later, he’s well on his way.
Jamaurae graduated from the JATC Training Center (VOLTA) in Oregon on June 4, 2026, and is now working as an Electric Line Assistant (ELA) for PG&E in the Richmond yard.
When asked, about his experience at VOLTA, Jamaurae stated, “the hardest part was the physical demands, but the most rewarding was getting over my fear of heights, which I didn’t know I had.”
IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager Roberto Balistreri with 2025 Jairus Ayeta Line School Scholarship recipient Jamaurae Birden
“Climbing a 25 foot pole, was no problem, then we transitioned to 35 feet,” he said. “That’s when the fear kicked in. My instructor had me climb a 55-foot pole to overcome my fears, and soon, 35 feet was easy.” Jamaurae said he learned to trust his gear, his spikes, and keep his head to the sky.
“I am forever grateful for the life-changing opportunity IBEW 1245 has given me through the Jairus Ayeta Line School Scholarship,” he said. “I am proud to have accomplished my goal and look forward to an exciting career.”
The Jairus Ayeta Line School Scholarship was established in 2020 in honor of Jairus Ayeta, an IBEW 1245 apprentice who lost his life in a workplace tragedy. The all-expenses-paid scholarship covers tuition and fees, lodging, a meal stipend and tools, helping recipients take their first steps toward careers in the electrical industry.
Applications Open October 1
The next recipient could be you.
Applications for the Jairus Ayeta Line School Scholarship will be accepted October 1–31, 2026.
Learn more and apply at ibew1245.com/scholarships.
By Charlotte Stevens, Staff Organizer