Celebrating three decades of apprenticeship <br> at Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc.
Holliston, MA For Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. (Griffin Electric), 2023 is an especially significant year as the company recognizes not just one, but two major milestones. A leading electrical and telecommunications subcontractor throughout New England and the Southeast, Griffin Electric is proudly celebrating its 45th year in the industry, while also marking the 30th year of its Apprenticeship Training Program. Apprenticeship plays an extremely vital role and has been a major factor in the company’s success through the years.
Established in 1993, Griffin Electric’s in-house Apprenticeship Training Program is fully accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and designated as an approved training site by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Throughout the school year, classroom and hands-on instruction takes place in the 27,500 s/f of training space that is part of the company’s headquarters in Holliston, and on-site at each of its regional offices in Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, NC; Pelham, AL; and Doraville, GA.
Griffin apprentices earn excellent compensation and benefits, and are eligible for wage increases every six months, based on grades and work performance. Throughout the four-year program, apprentices will experience 600 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on the-job learning under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson. Through employment with Griffin Electric, and satisfactory participation and progress in this program, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces may also be entitled to receive a monthly stipend from the VA through the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help meet the cost of everyday expenses.
The company has guided apprentices on “the pathway to potential” for three decades and has prepared many in pursuit of their licensure as they transition into electrician and telecom technician roles. Playing a part in the personal and career development of these men and women is something that Griffin Electric takes immense pride in. Guided by its merit shop philosophy, the company firmly believes that everyone should have the ability to progress in any direction he or she may choose. So while apprenticeship is the same starting point for many, there are countless examples of team members throughout the company forging their own paths and creating the future they want to see for themselves.
Apprenticeship has ensured that Griffin Electric has a highly skilled workforce representing the company on every project, allowing it to evolve and withstand change and challenges. But beyond hiring talented people for its own team, the company understands the importance of promoting construction to different audiences and growing the skilled trade workforce as a whole.
Griffin Electric takes an active role in working alongside organizations focused on highlighting construction as a viable career option. Students are often guided towards a traditional four-year degree, and the company hopes to help educate more people about how beneficial and rewarding the trades can be. Through partnerships, sponsorships, as well as direct outreach at school visits and career fairs, Griffin aims to promote apprenticeship as the pathway to a fulfilling career. Apprenticeship not only offers the introductory training needed to be successful in the trades but gives people the opportunity to explore their capabilities through hands-on learning, all while earning a competitive wage. 
At Griffin Electric, licensed graduates of its Apprenticeship Training Program have a rare opportunity to get the best of both worlds: an electrical or telecom license and an Associate degree with limited financial burden. If accepted, these employees will already have nearly half of the credits needed to achieve an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology degree thanks to the company’s partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Not only does Griffin Electric cover up to 70% of tuition costs, but classes are conveniently offered at the company’s Holliston office and/or online, giving employees in all regions accessibility to participate in the program.
Even if employees are not interested in pursuing a college degree, Griffin Electric offers additional voluntary educational resources to help them reach their full potential and be the best version of themselves. Every Griffin team member is awarded $2,000 annually in tuition reimbursement, and the company also offers free courses throughout the year geared towards both personal and career development.
When reflecting on the past 30 years of apprenticeship at Griffin Electric, it is evident that the program has made great strides and has had a profound impact on not only the company, but the lives of so many individuals, too. Providing the tools and support to help set these people up for successful and fulfilling careers is incredibly rewarding, and the company is grateful for its dedicated instructors and other team members who work so hard behind the scenes to make this all possible. Three decades is certainly an accomplishment, and Griffin Electric looks forward to celebrating with all its employees during this year’s National Apprenticeship Week and at a series of summer outings in each of its regions.
Griffin Electric hopes to continue to build on the foundation of its Apprenticeship Training Program and help shape the future leaders of the construction industry. With several large-scale projects on the horizon throughout New England and the Southeast, the company has exciting employment opportunities in both the office and field.
To learn more about Wayne J. Griffin Electric, please visit: waynejgriffinelectric.com, call its recruiting hotline at 800-421-0151, or email your resume to fieldrecruiting@wjgei.com.