When it comes to launching a lifelong career, nothing quite compares to an apprenticeship! Between zero school debt, hands-on experience, and career acceleration, an apprenticeship is the perfect tool to set you up with the skills you’ll need to reach your goals – whether in the skilled trades or beyond!
At Power Design, we see that success in action every day. From the field to the office, our teams are filled with former apprentices who’ve grown into leaders, mentors, and innovators – many who got their start with a hard hat, a toolbelt, and a willingness to learn.
Meet Bill Herlth, a VDC Project Executive at our headquarters on the GRID, Senior Project Superintendent Aaron Schrum bringing our designs to life in San Diego, and Electrical Foreman Joe Moore, one of the members from our first PowerU graduating class!
We caught up with this crew of former apprentices to see how far their apprenticeship experience has taken them and ask an important question: where are they now?
What has your journey looked like since finishing your apprenticeship?
"I was an apprentice from 1985 to 1989 in Connecticut. I got my Journeyman’s License in 1990, and two years after that I got my contractor’s license, and it was crazy exciting. I moved to Florida to join the Power Design family, which was a huge change, especially transitioning from the field to the office. Now I’m a VDC Project Executive. It’s a different atmosphere but so rewarding to manage such great people. Every day I get to help my team members grow and get to where they want to be in their career." – Billy
"After my apprenticeship, I worked my way up and eventually earned my state license when California started requiring it. That was a big milestone—and something I’ve had to maintain ever since. From there, stepping into a management role and successfully running my own work has been a huge part of my growth." – Aaron
"I’ve hit some major milestones – getting my license, stepping into leadership roles, and most recently becoming a Foreman Level 1 in May 2024. I had the chance to run rough-in as a foreman for Garry Hall at First Avenue in St. Pete, which was a great experience. Garry’s been super supportive and has helped me sharpen specific skills to keep leveling up. I’ve also taken on something totally new as a teacher assistant for PowerU. It was out of my comfort zone, but it has really opened my eyes to how much room there is to grow and give back in this field." – Joe
What skills or lessons did you take away from your time as an apprentice that you still use today?
"My apprenticeship taught me to take pride in my work, and to work hard to climb the ladder to achieve my goals. I have done this my entire career, and also make it a point to pass that down to my children. One of my sons wrote me a letter to thank me for these lessons that I taught him, and that was so rewarding." – Billy
"The biggest thing I took away was discipline—just learning how to commit to something and follow through. The structure of mandatory classes, studying, and testing really got me back into that school mindset. I also picked up a lot from interacting with classmates, instructors, and people from other companies. You learn there’s more than one way to do things." – Aaron
"I was lucky to have some incredible mentors during my apprenticeship. Bob Ally, Tomas Marquez, and Ron Pelkey all had a huge impact. Bob and Tomas gave me real hands-on opportunities and taught me the importance of effective communication, staying organized, and managing conflict the right way. Ron’s virtual instruction helped me build confidence with public speaking and critical thinking. Those technical and soft skills stuck with me, and they’re still part of my daily routine on the job." – JoeWhat would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?
"It will be the most rewarding adventure you will ever take. You’ll learn something new every day, not only from your own trade, but from the others you interact with. And you’ll be able to use that knowledge on future projects and outside of work, too. I installed my own central air system at home with the skills I learned in the field." – Billy
"If you’re serious about the field and ready to commit, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a solid path if you’re willing to put in the work." – Aaron
"If you like learning by doing, then go for it. The apprenticeship gave me real confidence and a strong sense of pride in what I do. You’re not just sitting in a classroom; you’re out in the field, working alongside experienced people, solving problems, and seeing the results of your work. That hands-on experience shapes you fast. I’m extremely grateful for the mentors and the opportunities I’ve had – it has made all the difference in my career." – JoeThese stories show that the hands-on training, mentorship, and confidence built during an apprenticeship can take your career in many different directions. That’s why we’re so excited to see Power Design’s Apprenticeship Program continue to grow, not only in electrical, but also in mechanical and plumbing! It’s all part of our commitment to building up the next generation of skilled professionals and providing every opportunity to succeed.
Interested in joining the trades or looking for a new career path? Learn more about Power Design’s Apprenticeship Program, and discover how you can kickstart a career with real-world experience, incredible mentors, and zero school debt here!
Tag(s):
Apprenticeship
Power Design
Our mission is to be the most trusted partner. With passion and accountability, we will deliver unmatched performance and a PlusONE experience. At Power Design we build more than just buildings - we build relationships that last.
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Tag(s):
Apprenticeship
Power Design
Our mission is to be the most trusted partner. With passion and accountability, we will deliver unmatched performance and a PlusONE experience. At Power Design we build more than just buildings - we build relationships that last.
