Phoenix, AZ, July 16—Electrical apprentices at Canyon State Electric (CSE) are attending their first week of classes through the company’s newly opened apprenticeship program, the third of its kind in the state. Students will attend one week of classes per quarter, spending the rest of their time getting on-the-job training as commercial electricians.
The program, which received its NCCER accreditation in December, can teach up to 120 apprentices per year who will become journeyman electricians upon graduation.
“They get paid while they’re in the classroom,” said Sidney Hawkins, Canyon State Electric’s Safety & Training Director, creator of the program. “When they’re not in the classroom, we’re pairing them up with a mentor in the field. So that they can go back and forth and ask their mentor, ‘This is what I learned. Can you help clarify this?’”
CSE is starting thirty students in the first cohort as apprentice 1s and allowing employees already enrolled in apprenticeships to transfer their education to the in-house program.
“I’m learning all these scientific, math and code principles,” said Taylor Braz, second-year apprentice. “I’m taking my knowledge back to the field to actually spot check plans, and make sure I’ll be using good craftsmanship.”
“We teach above and beyond the basic requirements. Arizona doesn’t mandate a written licensure exam to become a journeyman, but if and when they do, our electricians will be prepared,” said Hawkins.
The program’s lead instructor, Ted Rose, boasts decades of experience as an electrician, electrical engineer, and consultant. “I really enjoy the process of teaching and seeing the lights come on when they finally get a concept. I figured that this would be the best way to share some of the fifty years of experience with the younger electricians,” said Rose.
Canyon State Electric also launched an eight-week summer internship program for high school students earlier this year.
CSE President Robert Hughes said, “A lot of companies are concerned about available labor to complete construction projects. This is how we’re addressing the shortage. We’re investing in the future of our employees and the economic health of the state.”
“In four years, we’re going to have thirty young leaders out on the job sites. And thirty more every year after that,” said Hawkins. “We’re training up the next generation of electricians.”
To apply to the program, visit careers.cseci.com.
As the single-source solution for electrical construction, Canyon State Electric delivers building information modeling (BIM), electrical systems installation, low-voltage services, and ongoing maintenance all under one contract. The company has been recognized nationally by Inc. as Best in Business in 2022, one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2023, and one of Phoenix’s Top Workplaces in 2024.
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About Canyon State Electric
Canyon State Electric (CSE) is the single-source solution for electrical construction services in the Southwest. Founded in 1978 by Steven Maderazzo, CSE is now led by CEOs Stephanie Maderazzo-Hughes and Christopher Maderazzo. The company’s single location is headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, where over 160 electrical, life safety, and maintenance experts serve the surrounding community.
For press inquiries, contact Vince DiGuglielmo (480) 714-1057, vdiguglielmo@cseci.com.