MEET THE PRO: Pedro Chavez, Electrician
By Arkansas Next on Thursday, September 15, 2022
Hometown: Durango, Mexico
Age: 23
Where I Trained: Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
What I Earned: Arkansas residential journey electrical license
Job Title: Superintendent
Employer: Kimbel Mechanical
After dropping out of college, Pedro began brainstorming about what he wanted to do with his life. His brother, a construction worker, encouraged him to pursue a career in a trade. Electrical work really stood out to Pedro and he found the career fascinating, so he began to learn more.
Although college was not for him, Pedro enrolled in the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation electrical apprenticeship classes. After two years, he tested for and received his Arkansas Residential Journeyman Electrical License. He is in the third year of his four-year apprenticeship at ACEF and will soon take his Arkansas Journeyman exam.
“It's always something new; I am never bored,” Pedro said. “I am working hard and long days, but the time goes by quickly. Once you hone your skills, it's very satisfying.”
His day-to-day life as an electrician involves teaming up with builders, making schedules and helping out in the field. Pedro anticipates issues before they become problems and represents Kimbel with quality materials, manpower and blueprints. A student who is a hard worker, hungry for knowledge, smart and willing to do what it takes to solve a problem has what it takes to find a future career in electrical work.
WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICIAN DO?
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power systems that include communications, lighting and control.
Education needed:
Electricians learn through on-the-job training and most states require an electrician to be licensed.
Job Outlook
► 12% projected job growth in Arkansas by 2028
► 840 annual projected job openings in Arkansas
This option is for you if
- You want to make good money
- You like to tinker
- You love saving the day
- You're a self-proclaimed techie
High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$61,420
Median wages in Arkansas
$46,180 Annual
$22.20 Hourly
START YOUR TRAINING
- Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
- Arkansas State University Three Rivers
- Arkansas State University-Newport
- Business and Industry Training
- Central Moloney Inc.
- Green Bay Packaging
- Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Camden Operations
- National Park College
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Northwest Technical Institute
- Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
- Simmons Foods
- Thompson Electric
- University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology–Crossett
- University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
READY TO HIRE YOU
- Business and Industry Training
- Central Moloney Inc.
- Green Bay Packaging
- Koontz Electric
- Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Camden Operations
- McKee Foods Corporation
- Riceland
- Simmons Foods
- Thompson Electric
- Welsco
Source: bls.gov
