Canyon State Electric (CSE) has inaugurated its own electrical apprenticeship program, becoming the third in-house initiative of this kind in Arizona. This program opens new learning opportunities for electrical apprentices across the state, who are experiencing their initial week of classroom instruction.
The organization sets up approximately one week of classroom learning every quarter, while apprentices spend the remaining time gaining hands-on experience on commercial electrical projects.
NCCER Accreditation and Program Capacity
Accredited by the NCCER in December, this apprenticeship initiative is designed to accommodate up to 120 apprentices annually. Successful participants will qualify as journeyman electricians post-graduation. Sidney Hawkins, Safety & Training Director at Canyon State Electric and the creator of the program, emphasized the earning potential during training: “They get paid while they’re in the classroom,” adding that apprentices benefit further from field mentorship where they can directly apply and seek clarification on classroom concepts.
Enrollment and Apprentices' Experience
The first cohort includes thirty apprentices, categorized as apprentice 1s. Current employees with prior apprenticeship backgrounds have the option to transfer their training to this in-house program. Taylor Braz, a second-year apprentice, expressed enthusiasm about integrating scientific and practical skills to ensure high-quality craftsmanship in the field.
Hawkins further noted that their curriculum exceeds basic state requirements. Although Arizona does not currently ask for a written licensure exam, this program prepares apprentices for potential future mandates.
High School Internship Initiative
In addition to its apprenticeship program, Canyon State Electric launched an eight-week summer internship for high school students earlier this year. The program is led by Ted Rose, who has decades of expertise as an electrician and electrical engineer. “I really enjoy the process of teaching,” Rose remarked about his passion for educating young electricians.
Addressing Labor Shortages
Robert Hughes, President of CSE, highlighted the strategic importance of such initiatives in tackling labor shortages within the construction industry. “We’re investing in the future of our employees and the economic health of the state,” Hughes stated. Hawkins added, “In four years, we’re going to have thirty young pioneers out on the job sites, and thirty more every year after that.”
Canyon State Electric's Comprehensive Services
As a single-source provider for electrical construction, CSE offers an integrated suite of services: building information modeling (BIM), electrical systems installation, low-voltage services, and continuous maintenance—all under a single contract. The company has received national accolades, including recognition by Inc. as Best in Business in 2022, by Fast Company as one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2023, and as one of Phoenix’s Top Workplaces in 2024.
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.
NCCER accreditation
The program, which received its NCCER accreditation in December, can teach up to 120 apprentices
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 enrolled in apprenticeships
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.
Summer internship program
Canyon State Electric also launched an eight-week summer internship program for high school students
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.
Economic health of the state
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 pioneers out on the job sites. And thirty more every year after that,” said Hawkins. “We’re training up the next generation of electricians.”
Solution for electrical construction
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.
