August 22, 2025
When people think about long-term career success, the default path often points to college degrees and corporate ladders. But not every story looks like that, and careers like Senior Vice President Nick Young’s prove the trades can open doors to just as much stability, growth, and financial opportunity, without the burden of student debt.
Check out the video below to hear how Nick’s journey as an apprentice led him all the way to senior leadership at Power Design.
Nick’s career in the trades began just two years out of high school when he entered a five-year electrical apprenticeship. Each year, he rotated to different contractors, gaining hands-on experience with new systems, scopes, and projects. By the end of the program, he held his journeyman’s license, carried zero student debt, and had built a strong foundation in the industry from the ground up.
After relocating to Power Design, Nick grew from senior project manager to project executive in Austin, then to regional vice president of the Southwest. Today, he serves as a senior vice president, leading operations across Texas, Arizona, and Colorado.
Nick’s journey is proof of what the trades can offer. His apprenticeship gave him valuable education, lifelong lessons, and a professional network, all without the financial burden of college loans. By 24, he owned his first home, while many of his friends were trapped in debt and years away from that milestone.
Now, as a senior leader at Power Design, Nick credits the discipline, resilience, and mentorship he gained early in his career as the foundation of his success. His story shows that careers in the trades aren’t just jobs, they’re future-proof pathways that can take you as far as you want to go, in any direction.
The apprenticeship is one of the proudest parts of my life. It gave me the skills, the confidence, and the discipline to grow, and it truly made me who I am today.
And the timing couldn’t be better. The demand for skilled tradespeople has never been higher. Electricians, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, and plumbers are essential, well-compensated, and always in demand. For anyone weighing their next big career step, Nick’s story is a powerful reminder: choosing the trades can mean financial freedom, professional growth, and the pride of building a career with lasting impact!
Ready to learn more about starting your own career in the trades? Start here!
