TEMPE, AZ – Apprenticeships are exploding in popularity as an avenue to enter a highly skilled industry while earning a decent living and avoiding costly student loan debt. Rosendin, one of the nation’s largest private electrical contractors and an employee-owned company, is proud to recognize 13 apprentices who graduated from the Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC).
These apprentices entered the training program for electrical construction four years ago on an accelerated learning schedule which normally takes five years. Apprentices took night classes while completing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training on Rosendin’s construction sites and at the regional office in Tempe.
“Rosendin is thrilled to be a part of this important local resource that provides hands-on learning for a successful career in the growing electrical construction industry,” said Brandon Stephens, Rosendin Division Manager. “I’ve watched this industry change dramatically over the past decade, and it is harder than ever to find skilled workers, making apprenticeship programs necessary for our business and industry to succeed.”
This year, 39 total students completed the Phoenix Electrical JATC apprenticeship program. Twice that number are on track to graduate next year and it’s just in time, as Arizona gained more construction jobs than any other state last year.
“The apprenticeship program taught me advanced electrical skills that I never would have gotten by just attending classes,” said Roy Hamilton, Jr. a Rosendin apprentice. “After four years of coursework and on-the-job training with Rosendin I graduated with a great job in the construction industry.”
Apprentices pay about $8,000 for the training program, with additional funding coming from IBEW, (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and corporate partnerships.
Rosendin, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., is an employee-owned electrical contractor. With revenues upwards of $2 billion, Rosendin is one of the largest electrical contractors in the United States employing over 6,000 people. For more information, visit: www.rosendin.com.
