In a 70,000-square-foot warehouse in Hillsboro, 18 students from local high schools got a glimpse into employment for a large electrical contractor, and whether it would be right for them.

The students from Hillsboro and Beaverton high schools visited Rosendin for two days of educational conversation and hands-on activities.

The visit was part of a school-to-jobs program run by Washington County’s school districts, in concert with the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. The program offers more than 125 career events annually, and short-term internships called experiential learning opportunities, or ELOs. Rosendin hosted the students last week for the first time.

Zain Haroon, a Liberty High School senior, asked how to break into the field.

“I’m interested with electrical engineering and thought it would be a cool experience,” he said. “I like the concept of electricity. As our world keeps getting bigger, more technology will come along, and it needs electricity, of course.”

Dale Huskey, a general foreman who oversees the fabrication shop and logistics, advised Haroon to look into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48 apprenticeship program.

In 2017, there were approximately 8,360 electricians in Oregon, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They earned an average annual wage of $69,120.

Huskey got his own start through a program at Wahtonka Community School (grades 9-12) in The Dalles, and then an internship with a public utility.

“I kind of was in the same boat that these guys are in,” he said. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in high school.”

Huskey became a journeyman, was hired by Rosendin and rose to general foreman.

Rosendin is a major electrical contractor based in San Jose, California, with a significant Oregon presence. The company’s Hillsboro office has approximately 700 office staffers and electricians.

Rosendin is at work on projects for Hillsboro’s major tech firms, data centers and the 340,000-square-foot new Sherwood High School now under construction. The company has 400 electricians on site where a Facebook data center is being built in Prineville.

Rosendin, like other building industry firms during the economic boom, has found a lack of qualified workers to be a drag on tackling new projects.

“That’s our number one constraint,” said Brett Strohlein, Rosendin’s preconstruction manager. “Customers ask for qualified, educated, experienced people, and they’re in fairly high demand.”

A strong building economy shows no signs of letting up, Strohlein said.

“We’re booking work out into 2021 right now, and these customers, when we book (them), they’re not maybes,” he said.

The Washington County students, all seniors, face their own decisions about their futures. Some were introduced to electrical work during construction technology or automotive classes. Others learned from handy relatives.

Gianna Sullivan, a Liberty High senior, said she plans to pursue a career in architecture.

“It’s just interesting to check out the industry from this standpoint,” she said.

On Wednesday, the students worked on a basic task: powering a light switch. The students cut cable, ran wire and used a multimeter to check for shorts. They listed their work plans and materials used.

“That’s where it starts,” Huskey said.

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In 2019, one of the nation’s largest electrical contractors is observing its 100th year in business by adopting a new logo.

San Jose, California-based Rosendin Electric will now be known simply as Rosendin going forward, according to a company statement.

Rosendin now has more than 6,000 employees stationed at 15 regional offices across the United States. In Oregon this includes a Hillsboro office, which opened in 1997, as well as one in Prineville. Together, the two offices host 753 employees and field staffers.

“I really believe that this is just the beginning for us as an organization,” Rosendin President and Chief Operating Officer Larry Beltramo stated.

Rosendin is 100 percent employee-owned. This process started in 1992, when employees committed to purchase the company from the Rosendin family, and finished in 2000.

“Employee ownership means we are not just another electrical contractor,” Rosendin CEO Tom Sorley stated. “As owners, we care about and truly listen to one another, as every employee has a stake in the future success of our company. That is why we have, and will continue to foster, a culture of shared ownership.“

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