Aspiring electrician gains experience through Habitat for Humanity
The expansion of data centers nationwide is increasing demand for electricians, a field projected to grow 9% by 2034. In Cleveland, aspiring electrician Timothy Irankunda is gaining experience through Habitat for Humanity, aiming for an apprenticeship to enter the increasingly competitive trade.
CLEVELAND — The rapid expansion of data centers across the United States is significantly driving up the demand for skilled electricians. According to Dan Gallagher, business manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 38, this growth has made careers in the trades, particularly electrical work, increasingly attractive.
Timothy Irankunda, a young man in Cleveland, exemplifies this growing interest. He began shadowing a Habitat for Humanity electrician after his own home's furnace failed, a connection that led him to volunteer at the nonprofit's construction sites. After several months of dedicated volunteer work, Irankunda secured a full-time position as a construction assistant.
Irankunda views his current role as a crucial first step towards his ultimate goal of becoming a certified electrician. This path requires securing an apprenticeship, a process that Gallagher notes is becoming highly competitive due to the surge in interest. Gallagher also emphasized that despite attractive pay, the demanding nature of electrical work, involving diverse and challenging environments, makes it a career not suited for everyone. Irankunda remains focused on acquiring practical experience and knowledge before pursuing formal electrical education.