Lester White has played a pivotal part in NEIEP’s success and the impact he has had on the elevator industry will come as no surprise to those who are familiar with Lester and his remarkable range of interests and talents.

Growing up in East Cleveland, Ohio, Lester attended Shaw High School where he participated in both college-bound and vocational tracks, spending one year studying to be an electrician and two years as a machinist. This hands-on experience in machining and electrical work laid the groundwork for his future career.

Alongside his technical studies, Lester was active in sports, participating in track, wrestling, football, and martial arts. He initially set his sights on attending Case Western Reserve University, but ultimately chose a different path, enrolling at Purdue University to major in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

In his younger days, Lester’s hobbies reflected his technical acumen and creative spirit. He built speakers, worked on car audio systems, and crafted knives and other forged items. His talent extended to laser technology, where he achieved first place twice in a state competition for a CO2 laser he designed and built.

Entry into the Elevator Industry

Lester’s professional journey began in the mid-nineties at Purdue University, where he first worked on elevators. Balancing daytime work in dorms with his night classes, he encountered a roadblock when he ran out of night classes to take. An opening in the elevator shop was an opportunity that Lester couldn’t pass up, and this role steered him towards a long-term career in this niche field.

His girlfriend, later his wife, had also graduated from Purdue, and their decision to marry led them to settle in Indianapolis, identified as an acceptable middle ground between their hometowns. Lester learned about union opportunities from colleagues at Purdue and joined Local 34 after his marriage in 2000. He started as a tradesman and worked for a small company named Home Elevator, where he further honed his skills by taking additional classes.

Lester’s teaching career began in 2001, initially focused on electrical and motor theory. After a year at Home Elevator, Lester moved to Kone, where he spent most of his career handling modernization, service, and repair jobs. After a brief stint at Otis, Lester made his full-time move to NEIEP, where he had been teaching on a part-time basis since 2001.

Bringing New Ideas to NEIEP

The transition to becoming a union member was a significant shift for Lester as it put new responsibilities on his plate. Although he had limited experience in elevator construction, his work at Purdue provided essential training and practical job experience. His exposure to a variety of relevant tasks proved invaluable, offering a broad spectrum of technical challenges that he was able to overcome.

Joining NEIEP allowed Lester to focus on his broader educational goals and reduce the risk of burnout from excessive fieldwork. He brought innovative ideas to NEIEP, collaborating with Instructors to enhance educational offerings. Lester’s initiatives included revamping the curriculum and introducing hands-on training each semester, ensuring Apprentices could immediately apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Lester emphasizes a supportive, collaborative environment at NEIEP, a workplace atmosphere that has become commonplace at NEIEP over the years.

Looking to the Future

Like other NEIEP professionals, Lester is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional practices and new and emerging technologies. Current innovative projects include integrating virtual reality (VR) into training programs and leveraging its potential to enhance learning experiences. Balancing established methods with new innovations is challenging, but Lester underscores his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition. He notes that while some mechanics are resistant to change, effective training and education is what fosters comfort and competence with new technologies.

Lester White’s journey from Eastern Cleveland to a leadership role in NEIEP illustrates his commitment to continuous learning and improvement. His technical skills, combined with his passion for education and safety, have allowed him to make significant contributions to the elevator industry, ensuring that the next generation of mechanics is well-prepared for the future.