SPONSORED BY GRIFFIN ELECTRIC

At a time when attracting and training new talent to the skilled trades may be more important than ever for the construction industry to meet future demands, Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (Griffin Electric) has continued to heavily invest in apprenticeship.

A leading electrical subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast for nearly five decades, Griffin Electric recognizes that apprenticeship has not only been a cornerstone of its own success, but it has and will continue to be a critical component of the industry and its continued success, too. For more than thirty years Griffin Electric and its inhouse Apprenticeship Training Program has equipped students with the fundamental skills and knowledge to execute their work safely and effectively, while simultaneously helping to shape their individual careers as future electricians and telecom technicians.

With the 2024-2025 apprenticeship school year coming to a close, Griffin Electric marked the occasion by recently holding its Apprentice Competition. The company’s Holliston, MA headquarters as well as each of its regional office locations in Charlotte, NC; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Pelham, AL; and Doraville, GA played host to this annual event, which showcased how deep the pool of talent enrolled in Griffin’s program is. The men and women of the Griffin Electric Apprenticeship Training Program are skilled and determined, and their talents were on full display across a series of events during this day of friendly and fun competition. Hundreds of apprentices were split up into small groups, with each taking turns rotating across stations of activities meant to put their skills, understanding, and teamwork to the test.

Most stations throughout the day consisted of either hands-on based tasks or challenges, such as solving puzzles as part of an escape room and pipe bending, while other activities comprised of more trivia and knowledge-based games. Four of these stations incorporated Griffin Electric’s own spin on classic television game shows, including Jeopardy, Family Feud, Concentration, and Minute to Win It. Based on their performance, teams had an opportunity to earn points at each station, which also included a Light ‘Em Up! activity requiring apprentices to safely wire and energize a light. Apprentices completed ladder diagrams and wired control circuits at the Relay Control station, while other activities included a Blueprint Reading station and a Snap Circuit Challenge. Apprentices learn so much over the course of a school year, and these activities were designed to allow students to apply many of these important lessons and put new skills into practice.

Top performing teams were recognized at an awards ceremony, where winners received medals and prizes based on their final placement. Raffle prizes were also drawn for apprentices and instructors in recognition of the hard work they put in throughout the year. All apprentices, instructors, staff, and distinguished guests of the company were also treated to a luncheon to cap off what was an exciting and action-packed day of fun. The competition was a great opportunity to bring everyone together and celebrate the conclusion of another successful school year.

Fully accredited and designated as an approved training site by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Griffin Electric’s Apprenticeship Training Program is a debt-free alternative option to traditional schooling. Featuring a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and on-the-job learning, the four-year program is offered at each of the company’s regional office locations and is designed to provide apprentices with “The Building Blocks of Success” so they are well prepared for rewarding careers in the electrical trade.

From the journeypersons who work closely with apprentices across diverse projects throughout the year, to the team of knowledgeable instructors teaching students directly in the classroom, apprentices gain valuable insights and practical experience on the fundamental skills that are necessary to be successful in this career. Griffin’s apprentices earn excellent compensation and receive full benefits, and are also eligible for wage increases every six months, based on grades and work performance.

Griffin Electric strives to “Work with the Best. Be the Best” and the success of the Apprentice Competition is a prime example of how many great people the company employs. This annual event is the culmination of many individuals who put in work behind the scenes not just for this one day, but for every day throughout the school year to ensure students enrolled in the program are getting the best possible experience during their apprenticeship journey. Apprenticeship is an integral part of who Griffin Electric is and the company is always looking to celebrate and champion its talented team of instructors and apprentices. Griffin Electric will continue to do whatever it can to support all its team members to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.