NW Valley Times

Program Manager Melissa Lombraña addressed the first class of the Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians Pathway during an orientation in late August in Austin, Texas. The program, which proved successful in Phoenix, has now been launched in another growing city – Austin.

The Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians Pathway aims to address a shortage of construction electricians and provide employment opportunities for those who do not wish to pursue a four-year college education.

Rosendin, the electrical contractor that helped debut the program at Grand Canyon University (GCU), identified Austin as a key location for expansion due to its growth. “Wherever they want us, that’s where we go,” said Brian Jones, director of GCU’s Center for Workforce Development. The center has provided pathways for electricians and machinists at the Phoenix campus since 2022 and is now expanding to another location for the first time.

“It’s a national security issue. I hear this from CEOs and managers all the time. Up to 50% of the trades workforce is retiring in the next few years, so getting people trained by folks who know the trades is extremely important,” Jones added.

In just three years in Phoenix, 288 participants have completed either the Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians or Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC) pathways. The center was recently awarded the Greater Phoenix Chamber's IMPACT Award for Economic Driver for Mid to Large Companies.

Jones noted that one of the 18 participants is driving from San Antonio. “That’s how excited people are about trade pathways,” he said. “They are willing to travel to get there.”

Participants will take math and communications courses in a classroom setting and receive hands-on instruction in electrical foundations at Rosendin over a 15-week period. The center’s team will then assist them in finding work or apprenticeship opportunities. Many participants are hired by Rosendin as well as union and nonunion contractors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for electricians are expected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033 with a median annual pay of $61,590.

“The construction industry is one of the largest in the country, with 8 million workers across a wide spectrum of specialties,” said Mike Greenawalt, Rosendin CEO Emeritus, in a press release. “Together, Rosendin and GCU are educating people about career options and helping to solve the current workforce shortage.”

Melissa Lombraña cited these opportunities as her motivation for becoming Austin's site program manager. “It’s a great opportunity for families and young adults who want to better themselves,” she said about the initial class consisting mostly of young Latino males. “People get discouraged if they can’t afford to go to a four-year school or don’t have time, so I feel like this is a great opportunity for families, young people, and also older people, to make a good living.”

She mentioned that new construction projects such as Samsung's $17 billion chip plant in nearby Taylor, Texas, and a new airport terminal increase demand for electricians.

One recent high school graduate did not have a laptop; thus, efforts were made by the center to provide him with one as evening classes began on Tuesday.

“That is an example of these families needing that opportunity,” Lombraña remarked.

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at [email protected]