Phoenix, AZ, July 29 – Nearly twenty high school students graduated last week from Canyon State Electric’s first summer electrical internship program. Throughout the eight-week program, students experienced the electrical trade through interactive classroom sessions, hands-on education, and roleplay exercises.
The students, incoming juniors and seniors, are all part of construction & technology education (CTE) programs at their high schools.
“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.
“You see the excitement and the enthusiasm about what they did over the summer. They have this pride and confidence in the technical work,” said Chantelle Frazee Jacobs, Mesa High School’s CTE Career Coach.
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.”
“I think she’ll stick with it,” said Liz’s mom, Amy Zorilla. “She loved [the program] because she was able to be out of her comfort zone and learn new skills.”
“That’s how I started, as a high schooler helping on small remodeling projects in my hometown,” said Robert Hughes, CSE President. “We want these students to know that construction is a career path that can take them places, and Canyon State Electric’s doors are open when they graduate.”
Canyon State Electric also opened its in-house electrical apprenticeship program earlier this month.
Some students, like Liz, have already decided on life after graduation: “I plan on just coming back here to work as an [apprentice electrician],” said Zorilla. “I’m eager to learn.”
To apply for the summer internship, apprenticeship program, or other career opportunities at Canyon State Electric, visit careers.cseci.com.
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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. 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.
For press inquiries, contact Vince DiGuglielmo (480) 714-1057, vdiguglielmo@cseci.com.