ELECTRICAL WORK IS A SMART CAREER CHOICE: NOT A LAST RESORT

It’s no secret that there’s a growing problem with labor in the trades. There are so many things that need to be said, and more people need to be saying them. We are facing the biggest labor deficit that I’ve seen in my 40+ year career in electrical contracting, and it’s getting worse by the month.

Each year, there are 3,000 more electricians retiring than there are entering the workforce. Couple that with a projected six percent growth in available electrical jobs and the result is higher labor prices, delays and longer timelines for all types of projects.

We know why this is happening, and while we can’t change the past, we can sure learn from it. We’ve got almost an entire generation of the workforce who was taught that a four-year degree was the only acceptable path after high school. As a result, many millennials hold bachelor’s degrees, and very few hold the tools that this world is increasingly depending on.

Fortunately, the pendulum is starting to swing back the other way. The newest generation cares less about the stigma of trade school and more about job security, lower debt, and specific skills in high-demand fields. They’re learning that this is not the consolation prize if you didn’t get into college.

This is a high-skill, high-reward profession. A career. Not just a job you take because you have no other choice. It’s for men, women, high school grads, mid-career lifestyle changers: all are welcome here, and most can do very well here.

Breaking the stigma

For too long, the skilled trades have been treated as second-class careers compared to white-collar professions. There’s an outdated belief that success only comes with a college degree, and anything else is somehow a step down. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The reality is that trade careers offer just as much prestige, skill, and financial stability—if not more—than many “traditional” office jobs. Becoming an electrician requires extensive training, certifications, and real-world expertise. In many ways, it’s just as demanding as earning a degree, except instead of student debt, apprentices earn while they learn.

The stigma is fading, but there’s more work to be done. It’s time to recognize electrical work for what it is: a vital, skilled, and rewarding profession that deserves the same level of respect as any other high-level career.

Financial and career benefits

One of the biggest advantages of electrical work is the financial opportunity. Unlike traditional college paths, which often lead to tens of thousands of dollars in debt, becoming an electrician allows you to earn a paycheck from day one. Many apprenticeships provide paid, hands-on experience, meaning you start your career without the financial burden that so many college graduates face.

And the earning potential? It’s substantial. Experienced electricians can make six figures, especially those who specialize in high-demand areas like industrial electrical work, automation, or energy systems.

Electrical work isn’t a career that can be outsourced overseas, and as technology advances, the need for highly trained professionals will only increase. This is a profession where longevity and expertise pay off—both financially and in terms of career satisfaction.

The path forward

The focus now is on the next generation. Middle and high schools are already shifting the way they present career opportunities, which is a tremendous first step. Our kids also need support from society as a whole, and encouragement and proof of the potential from those of us who are already here in the trades.

That means investing in vocational programs, offering hands-on learning opportunities in high school, and changing the way we talk about skilled labor. Imagine if more young people saw electricians as the highly skilled professionals they are—problem solvers, innovators, and essential workers.

We need more outreach programs, mentorships, and real-world exposure to the trades. Whether it’s through internships, shop classes, or industry partnerships, the message should be clear: electrical work is a respected, rewarding, and future-proof career choice.

The truth is, we don’t just need more electricians—we need a cultural shift in how we think about work. And that starts with us.