Building a Career Through Skilled Trades: How Apprenticeships Are Creating Opportunities for Future Electricians

Skilled trades continue to offer some of the most accessible pathways to high-demand, high-wage careers. For individuals interested in hands-on work, problem-solving, and long-term career growth, occupations such as electrical work provide opportunities to earn competitive wages while gaining valuable experience and industry credentials.

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One company helping create these opportunities is Trio Electric, one of Houston’s leading electrical contractors. Through its electrician pre-apprenticeship program, Trio Electric is preparing both high school students and adults for careers in the skilled trades by combining classroom instruction, industry-recognized training, and hands-on learning experiences.

According to Andrea Calvo, Education Curriculum Lead for Trio Electric, the company launched its in-house apprenticeship program in 2013 and expanded into pre-apprenticeship programs with local schools in 2017.

“We realized that the only way to continue growing our business was to find and train our own electricians,” Calvo explained. “Today, we’re partnered with 12 different school districts and charter schools across Texas and serve approximately 370 students.”

The program was designed by industry professionals to ensure students develop the technical knowledge and workplace skills employers are seeking. Lessons incorporate virtual reality simulations, video-based instruction, safety training, and employability skills that prepare participants for real-world job sites.

Safety remains a central focus throughout the curriculum. Students learn to identify workplace hazards, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and understand the safety standards required in the electrical industry before they begin working in the field.

Preparing Students for High-Skill Careers

Workforce Solutions recently visited Alief ISD’s Center for Advanced Careers, where students are gaining exposure to career and technical education programs designed to prepare them for employment after graduation.

The center serves between 1,500 and 2,000 students and offers programs ranging from industrial robotics and welding to health sciences, architecture, information technology, and electrical construction.

“Our job is to build relationships with businesses and employers and show them that we have students earning certifications and gaining experience that are important to industry,” said Jennifer Bake, Career and Technical Education Director for Alief ISD.

For students like Daniel Harding, participation in the electrical pre-apprenticeship program provides a clear pathway toward a future career.

“It gives me something to do so I can stay busy, stay in school, and prepare for my future,” Harding said. “I’m really excited about becoming an electrician and continuing with the program.”

A Career Pathway With Growth Potential

Students who complete the high school pre-apprenticeship program can transition into registered apprenticeship opportunities after graduation, allowing them to continue earning while they learn.

Calvo explained that participants who enter apprenticeship programs often begin earning around $14 per hour and can increase their wages significantly as they gain experience and complete training milestones.

“We encourage everyone to continue into an apprenticeship program,” Calvo said. “By the time they complete their training, many apprentices are earning between $23 and $25 an hour, and experienced electricians can earn even more.”

The program is also available to adults seeking a career change. While the high school pathway spans approximately two years, the adult pre-apprenticeship program can be completed in as little as six to eight weeks and includes financial literacy, OSHA training, employability skills, and electrical curriculum.

Finding the Right Fit

While electrical work can be physically demanding and often involves outdoor environments and nontraditional schedules, it offers strong opportunities for advancement and long-term career stability.

For those considering a career in the trades, Calvo emphasizes the importance of commitment and passion.

“Being an electrician is not an easy trade, but it’s very rewarding,” she said. “We encourage individuals to continue learning through apprenticeship programs and build a career that can provide opportunities for years to come.”

As demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs are helping connect students and job seekers with careers that offer competitive wages, industry-recognized credentials, and a direct pathway into the workforce.

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