“Finding Power in Purpose”: Young Apprentice Shines at Electrical Trades Competition in Charlotte
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- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11
By Sam Ettaro for Put Tools in Schools
Charlotte, NC — A rising star lit up more than just the wiring boards at Star Electric’s annual apprenticeship competition last week. Among the whirring battery tools, buzzing saws, and tense rounds of competition stood 22-year-old Kristen, a standout apprentice who’s proving that the future of the trades is young, ambitious—and female.
VIDEO INTERVIEW AT END OF ARTICLE:
Hosted at Starr Electric’s Norton Road facility in Charlotte, the event featured 15 top-tier apprentices competing for local bragging rights and a shot at the ABC National Craft Championships in Salt Lake City. But more than a contest, it was a celebration of the skilled trades—a field too often overlooked by recent high school grads.
“People still don’t realize the massive opportunities that exist in the electrical industry,” said Kevin Tice, Starr Electric’s Director of Corporate Education and Training—and a 43-year veteran of the trade. “This is a purpose-filled career. It's different every day, it's challenging, and yes—it pays very well.”
A New Path for a New Generation
Kristen’s journey into the electrical field didn’t start in a classroom—it started with curiosity and courage.
“I went to college because that’s what everyone told me to do,” she said. “But I realized I wasn’t passionate about it. I wanted to work with my hands and my mind. So I stepped back, tried a few things, and found my way into an apprenticeship.”
That "step back" may sound familiar. A 2023 study by ECMC Group found that only 48% of high school students are considering a traditional four-year college, down from 71% just a few years ago. Instead, 74% say they want a direct path to a career—and trades like electrical work are offering just that.
Kristen found her way into Starr Electric’s apprenticeship program after a stint working with a general contractor. “He noticed I was more intellectual and said, ‘You should really consider electrical,’” she recalled. Within weeks, she was hired and thriving.
Apprenticeships: The Other Four-Year Degree
Programs like Starr Electric’s are part of a growing movement in North and South Carolina. Across the Carolinas, organizations such as ApprenticeshipNC, Carolinas AGC, and local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) offer registered apprenticeship programs that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
In North Carolina alone:
Over 12,000 individuals are currently enrolled in registered apprenticeships.
Electrical trades are among the top three most in-demand skilled trade apprenticeships, according to the NC Department of Commerce.
Entry-level electrical apprentices earn around $17–$22 per hour, with wages rising significantly as skills and certifications increase.
In South Carolina, Apprenticeship Carolina reports that the number of employer sponsors and apprentices has more than doubled since 2010.
And the payoff? The U.S. Department of Labor reports that workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their careers than those who don’t.
Women in the Trades: Breaking Barriers, Flipping Switches
Kristen was the only woman among the 15 participants in this year’s competition—a statistic that reflects a broader reality. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up just 2.4% of the electrical workforce nationwide.
But that number is growing.
“The first day, I was nervous. I thought being a woman in the field would be a challenge,” Kristen admitted. “But honestly? It hasn’t been. Everyone’s treated me with respect. I’ve been accepted for who I am and what I can do.”
Programs like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and Tradeswomen Build Nations are pushing to change perceptions and provide support for women entering the trades. And the efforts are paying off: a recent Institute for Women’s Policy Research study shows that completion rates for women in registered apprenticeships are increasing, particularly in the South.
Hands and Minds: Building a Brighter Future
As Kristen and her peers wired panels and tested circuits under pressure, the competition wasn’t just about tools—it was about showcasing a new generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders.
Tice put it simply: “If you can use your hands and your mind, there will always be food on the table.”
Kristen’s advice to other young people?
“If you’re not sure about college—take a moment. Try something. Find a career you actually love. For me, it was electrical. And I’m just getting started.”
🔧 General Trade & Electrical Industry
👩🔧 Women in the Trades
🎓 Youth & Career Pathways
📍 Regional (Carolinas)
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