Grand Canyon University and Rosendin bring Pre-Apprenticeship to Texas – GCU News

(August 29, 2024) – Grand Canyon University and Rosendin have teamed up again to expand their Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians Pathway into Austin, Texas.   

As more businesses move to Texas, Rosendin, the country’s largest employee-owned electrical contractor, identified Austin as an area with a growing construction industry and a need for construction electricians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for electricians is projected to grow by an estimated 6% from 2022 to 2032.

In 2022, GCU and Rosendin developed a four-course, 16-credit Pre-Apprenticeship pathway that prepares students for an Employer Apprenticeship Program in the State of Arizona. In that short time, over 200 students have passed all required courses to embark on careers in the commercial construction industry.

“Trade industries are what helped build this country into an economic power, and we need to bring them back,” said GCU President Brian Mueller. “The pre-apprenticeship has already changed so many lives in Arizona, we wanted to expand it into other areas experiencing a labor shortage. This 15-week offering will help students master key concepts, especially in math, that will prepare them to enter an electrician apprentice program and quickly embark on a career that is in demand.”

Pre-apprenticeship students will take four courses in math, communications, and electrical foundations over one semester. Rosendin worked with GCU to develop the courses to ensure these students are well prepared to enter an apprenticeship and succeed in the construction industry.

“Our highly specialized, hands-on learning program allows Austin students to learn a skilled craft that can launch their careers in one semester,” said Mike Greenawalt, Rosendin CEO Emeritus. “The construction industry is one of the largest in the country, with 8 million workers across a wide spectrum of specialties. Together, Rosendin and GCU are educating people about career options and helping to solve the current workforce shortage.”

GCU’s Center for Workforce Development team is working with both union and non-union contractors in Texas and Arizona to provide work and apprenticeship opportunities during the courses and upon completion of the pathway. Rosendin will be looking to hire the GCU students as soon as they complete their semester at GCU and enter the apprenticeship program. In Phoenix, the goal is to enroll 300 students in the pathway this year. Classes start on September 3.

Rosendin, which has been instrumental in the commercial construction industry for 105 years, is a highly innovative, technology-driven company that builds educational facilities, hospitals, solar facilities, and light rail.  This expansion into Texas is a part of GCU’s Center for Workforce Development programs, including the Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians and a CNC Machinist Pathway.

Those interested can visit https://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/electrician-pre-apprenticeship for more information.

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About Grand Canyon University:  Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona’s premier private Christian university. GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers over 345 academic programs, emphases and certificates for both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals (as of March 2024). The University’s curriculum emphasizes interaction with classmates, both in-person and online, and individual attention from instructors while fusing academic rigor with Christian values to help students find their purpose and become skilled, caring professionals. For more information, visit gcu.edu.

About Rosendin: Rosendin, headquartered in San Jose, CA, is employee-owned and one of the largest electrical
contractors in the United States, employing over 7,500 people, with average annual revenues of $2.9 billion. Established in 1919, Rosendin remains proud of our more than 100 years of building quality electrical and communications installations and value for our clients but, most importantly, for building people within our company and our communities. Our customers lead some of the most complex construction projects in history and rely on us for our knowledge, ability to scale, and dedication to quality. At Rosendin, we work to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential by building a diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive culture. For more information, visit www.rosendin.com.