Zachary Valdez, a regional safety manager for Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc., a subsidiary of MYR Group, Inc., shares his thoughts about the skills electricians need to succeed both now and in the future.
Q: What are you looking for in today’s electricians when you hire them?
A: We look for a willingness to learn, someone who is teachable, has mechanical aptitude, and a desire to stay the course for the long haul in the trade.
Q: What skills do electricians need now as compared to a few years ago?
A: They need to know how to use iPads, laptops, and new generation technology. They also must have the knowledge and ability to learn and adapt to new technologies, combined with the skills and know-how needed to successfully use hands-on tools and equipment.
Q: Talk about your training program at MYR Group and how you prepare electricians to advance in their careers.
A: Our parent company, MYR Group, does a fantastic job of supporting our electricians from a training perspective. Over the past year, we’ve endeavored to place a greater focus on existing training programs provided, as well as develop new training programs that educate electricians on the latest technology, trends, and issues affecting our industry today from a safety standpoint. We place great emphasis on new hire orientation and the onboarding process, human performance, and human behavior and supervisor/foreman training. We stress the importance of accountability for safety from everyone in the organization and how we must maintain safety as the top priority while also effectively balancing risk, value, and productivity.
Q: What do you think it takes for electricians to succeed and top out as journeymen electricians?
A: They need a strong commitment to the trade in line with strong support from friends and family members. It can be a long, tough four or five years as an apprentice, and having the support of loved ones makes a difference. An attitude towards continued learning and improvement and a willingness to be coached translate to personal and professional career growth.
Q: What do you see in the future for opportunities for up-and-coming electrical apprentices?
A: I foresee new technology systems, opportunities in clean energy and smart technologies, and modeling the job on programs with 3D and virtual reality viewing. Educating younger generations on the opportunities available in the trade and opportunities for growth within the trade is a key priority. It’s ingrained in so many that college is the only option after high school. Trade professions are a great alternative for many – your education is paid, and you can earn while you learn, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
