Meet The Pro: Ryan Scott, Electrician

Jacob Slaton

Hometown: North Little Rock

Age: 31

Where I Trained: Electrician certificate from Thompson Electric through Associated Builders & Contractors

Job Title: Electrician

Employer: Thompson Electric

Ryan Scott went from playing baseball at North Little Rock High School to playing for the Boston Red Sox minor league team at a young age. Although he completed his bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Ryan was unsure what he wanted to do with his career after he was released from his professional baseball contract.

“Once I was released, my wife and I moved to Austin, Texas,” Ryan said. “As I was looking for a new career to start, I thought back on a house we remodeled and realized I really wanted to do something like that again.”

Ryan helped his grandfather-in-law with remodeling houses during his off-seasons, so he decided to call up an old teammate who could set him up with a similar career. On his first day on the job, he started helping the electrician and decided that was the role for him.

“As far as advice for someone starting the trade, I would say, find good journeyman to work under, stay with them, and learn as much as you can,” Ryan said.

Ryan and his family eventually moved back to central Arkansas where he apprenticed for four years while taking courses. He later worked with a journeyman for two years until he was sent to work a big job at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Health’s Proton Center of Arkansas. Now, he works at Thompson Electric and completed his certification through the company's Associate Builders and Contractors partnership.

“The lesson that stuck with me most is [that] there is a solution to every problem, it just might be hard, or take some planning,” Ryan said. “...Being helpful is not always easy and takes some effort, but is always appreciated—and a good sign an apprentice will ‘make it.’”

MORE ABOUT THE JOB

Education Needed:

High School Diploma & Apprenticeship

You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...

You love volunteering to hang holiday lights (and can fix any strand that goes out!)
You've always been able to repair your toys and gadgets
You want a career with job security

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