Rosendin Electric, one of the nation’s largest private electrical contractors and an employee-owned company, recently hosted students from Desert Hills High School in Gilbert, Arizona, to help them understand the scope and demands of electrical contracting and to provide hands-on experience with electrical design-build and construction project management.
The tour was offered to students participating in the regional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program developed by the Arizona Department of Education to promote education in science and engineering. Upon arrival, the students were presented with a mock construction project to complete. Designed to give students an understanding of the end-to-end requirements of electrical construction, the project included developing plans, using Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems for modeling, creating a parts list, understanding prefabrication, pricing and bidding, and more.
“We continue to see a growing demand for skilled talent in the electrical construction industry,” said Dean Howard, Business Development Manager for Rosendin Electric’s Tempe office. “Today’s electrical contractor has to understand computer modeling, logistics, finance, alternative energy, and much more. By giving students hands-on experience, we hope more will consider a career in electrical construction.”
According to a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, 86 percent of contractors are having difficulty finding hourly skilled construction workers. The same survey reports that 52 percent are having difficulty finding experienced professionals for positions such as project managers and supervisors. Experts predict an ongoing need for skilled labor throughout the country, including in markets with high demand for new building such as Phoenix.
Rosendin Electric executives hope this event is the first in a series of tours. The company plans to continue to work with area high schools to promote interest in electrical construction and to encourage students to pursue an internship or apprenticeship.
News item from Rosendin Electric