Nearly 30 High School Students Graduate from Summer Electrical Pre-apprenticeship Program

Nearly thirty high school students graduated last week from Canyon State Electric’s summer electrical pre-apprenticeship program. Throughout the eight-week program, students experienced the electrical trade through interactive classroom sessions, hands-on education, and role-play exercises.  

The students, incoming juniors and seniors, are all part of construction & technology education (CTE) programs in the Mesa High School district. 

 "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.  

“I think they’ve all been exposed to a career pathway, and for some of them, this program opened up an opportunity they never considered before,” said Chantelle Frazee Jacobs, Mesa High School’s CTE Career Coach. “They did it on a whim, and now this is what they want to do,”  

Daniel Vargas, an incoming senior at Mesa High School, knew he wanted to pursue the trades after years of working landscaping with his father and grandfather: “College didn’t really feel like it was meant for me. When I saw electrical as a trade, I applied to see if I’d like it—and during these eight weeks, I’ve learned that I really enjoy electrical work." 

“He’s more responsible, more productive. He’s not on his phone or playing video games all day like he used to,” said Daniel’s mom, Brenda Vargas. “He’s motivated now, and it’s such a big improvement.” 

The program’s graduation ceremony, held at Mesa High School, celebrated the students’ work over the eight weeks and recognized their achievements. Students were celebrated for their performance in a wire-off competition, proposal group project, and demonstration of core values.  

“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 offers a four-year, NCCER-accredited apprenticeship program for employees looking to become electrical journeymen.   

Frazee Jacobs said, “[This program] has given [students] a leg-up because they’ve already earned hours toward their apprenticeship, and that’s huge in helping them pursue this after high school.”  

Some students, like Vargas, have already decided on life after graduation: “I’m just going to come back to this company after high school, get to work, and support my mom,” he said. “I want to work hard and take care of the people I love.” 

To apply for the summer internship, apprenticeship program, or other career opportunities at Canyon State Electric, visit careers.cseci.com.