Phoenix, AZ – Campus visits, talks with higher ed recruiters, and long applications used to be the norm for graduating seniors. Now, high schoolers are looking at a different way to plan their future. With nearly 200,000 more skilled construction craftspeople needed in Arizona by the end of 2026, teens are looking to the trades for a profitable, fulfilling career path.
Canyon State Electric (CSE), an electrical contractor known for its work on industrial and mission critical projects, is giving these students a way forward. The company launched two educational programs this year: an eight-week summer internship program, and a four-year NCCER-accredited apprenticeship program.
“There’s a huge demand for skilled labor in the trades. These students were showing an interest in construction careers early on—we wanted to encourage that interest and develop it into a passion,” said Sidney Hawkins, Canyon State Electric’s Safety & Training Director.
The internship program, which graduated nearly twenty students in July, provided interactive classroom sessions, hands-on education, and roleplay exercises designed to provide a foundation in the electrical trade.
Liz Zorilla, an incoming senior at Mesa High School, was picking between studying framing or electric when she found the program: “In the beginning, it was a little challenging because I was new to learning about electrical, just the wires and knowing which goes from which—the ground, the neutral, the hot. It just made it easier for me to prepare for what I want to do and now I know for sure.”
The students are all part of construction & technology education (CTE) programs at their high schools. When the students graduate, CSE invites them back to participate in the apprenticeship program. This program can teach up to 120 apprentices per year who will become journeyman electricians upon completion.
“They get paid while they’re in the classroom,” said Hawkins. “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?’”
“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.
According to 42Floors, Phoenix is the fifth largest data center market by sales volume, reaching nearly $500 million in transactions between 2012 and 2021. This burgeoning market, alongside semiconductor manufacturing plants, has created a significant recruiting need in the electrical trade.
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.”
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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.