As New York pushes ahead with cleaner energy systems, electric vehicle charging and building upgrades, the demand for skilled electrical workers is expected to grow.
Much of the public conversation around electrification focuses on infrastructure, funding and policy. But those plans still depend on the electricians who install, maintain and manage the systems behind them.
Richard Sajiun, CEO and master electrician of Sajiun Electric Inc., says workforce development needs to be part of the conversation as New York works toward its clean-energy goals.
Sajiun Electric was founded in 1965 by Sajiun’s father as a residential electrical business, according to materials provided about the company. It later expanded into work involving public infrastructure, health care facilities, government buildings and commercial operations throughout New York.
Demand for electrical work is growing
Electricians play a role in many parts of the energy transition, from installing EV charging stations to upgrading electrical systems in buildings and modernizing facilities.
Industry demand is rising at the same time many experienced electricians are approaching retirement and fewer new workers are entering the trade, according to materials provided about Sajiun’s work.
That has made training and mentorship a growing concern for electrical contractors and other businesses tied to infrastructure work.
EV charging adds to workforce needs
One example is New York City’s Local Law 55, which requires parking facilities to gradually add electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Meeting those requirements can involve electrical upgrades and the installation of charging stations across commercial properties, public facilities and parking structures.
Sajiun says clean-energy programs cannot be carried out through funding and policy alone. The work depends on licensed electricians who can safely install and maintain the systems being deployed.
Training the next generation
At Sajiun Electric, mentorship is part of employee development, according to materials provided about the company.
Newer workers train alongside experienced electricians on projects involving health care facilities, government agencies and public infrastructure.
Sajiun says electrical expertise takes years of practical experience, training and continuous learning.
As New York continues to pursue electrification projects, he says workforce development should become a larger part of the discussion among industry leaders, businesses and policymakers.
EV charging stations and upgraded infrastructure may represent visible progress, but the work behind them depends on trained electricians who can bring those projects online safely.
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