The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) celebrated the graduation of 35 electrical apprentices, marking the completion of the organization’s four-year Electrical Apprenticeship Program and adding a new class of journey-level professionals to Arizona’s commercial and industrial construction workforce.
Held in May, the ceremony brought together graduates, their families, ABA members, industry leaders and state officials, including Arizona Director of Apprentices Joann Bueno, Arizona Registrar of Contractors Director Tom Cole and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.
The graduates completed a rigorous 8,000-hour registered apprenticeship that combined classroom instruction with hands-on jobsite training in electrical construction, OSHA 10 certification and the National Electrical Code.
“Every person who crossed that stage today chose a path that demanded commitment from day one, and Arizona’s construction industry is stronger because of it,” says Kim Davids, ABA President. “This graduation is proof that when we invest in people, the return goes far beyond the job site. It strengthens families, businesses and the communities that Arizona’s construction industry serves every single day.”
Unlike a traditional college program, apprentices earned wages while completing their training, gaining practical experience on active jobsites throughout the four-year program. Upon graduation, each apprentice achieved journey-level status, opening the door to expanded career opportunities across Arizona and beyond.
“It’s been a long four years. My wife and I started with one, and now we have three (kids),” graduate Austin McCain says. “It’s a better career, better opportunities and, at my company, I’m able to move up now. So, it’s awesome and a really great opportunity.”
The ABA Electrical Apprenticeship Program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Through ABA’s affiliations with the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Associated General Contractors, graduates also gain access to a statewide network of more than 300 member companies.
As Arizona’s construction industry continues to face growing workforce demands, ABA officials said apprenticeship programs remain a critical pipeline for developing skilled tradespeople while helping contractors strengthen recruitment, retention and long-term workforce development.
