by Rashida Williams
Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. upholds high standards for employees and encourages each person to be in the driver’s seat of his or her career. For women who have chosen careers in construction, this approach aims to inspire everyone to pursue her own ambition. For over four decades and throughout all levels of the company, women have played an important role. Griffin Electric remains committed to offering talented women the tools needed to chart their own course.
For more than 25 years, Griffin Electric has prepared many for rewarding careers in the electrical trade through its free, in-house Apprenticeship Training Program.
Through its free in-house Apprenticeship Training Program, Griffin has prepared many for rewarding careers in the electrical trade. The program is accredited by 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 27,500sf of dedicated training space that is part of Griffin’s headquarters in Holliston, Mass., and on-site at each of the company’s regional offices in the Southeast. In addition to 600 hours of classroom instruction, Griffin’s apprentices benefit from on-the-job learning, where they earn excellent wages and benefits while gaining 8,000 hours of practical field experience under licensed journeyperson supervision.
At Griffin Electric, women dedicated to their craft who also possess willingness to take on greater challenges have opportunities to advance in various capacities and leadership roles. Those who have come through the Apprenticeship Training Program have grown with the company and even advance into foreperson, estimating, and project management positions. “I believe in making an investment in people,” says Wayne Griffin, president. “Women are leaders in life. If someone has the character and personal drive to strive for excellence, it’s in the best interest of the company to make sure they succeed.”
Griffin upholds high standards for all its employees and encourages each person to be in the driver’s seat of their career.
Through offering personal and professional development programs, the company proudly supports employees through various phases of their career growth. Dozens have taken advantage of the company’s associate degree partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Griffin Electric covers up to 70% of tuition costs for the degree that enables accepted graduates of Griffin’s Apprenticeship Training Program to further their education.
Recruiting, hiring, and training are key to Griffin Electric’s success, and the company knows how critical outreach and maintaining close ties to the community is. Students have many options for their future and the company takes pride in building awareness for young women that there is no universal approach in planning for their career. Griffin Electric works with schools and organizations to educate women in particular that the apprenticeship pathway is a viable career choice. A long-term member of the Griffin team working as a mechanic in the Southeast region said, “My first interest in construction started because I had to support four small children on my own. Working as an electrician is empowering. My children are proud to tell their friends about my occupation.” The company is pleased to provide current and prospective employees with more than just a job, but also a fulfilling career.
Having the knowledge and skill to deliver superior, safe, quality workmanship is what clients and project partners ultimately value. When it comes to results, regardless of the scope of a project, Griffin women get it done.
Rashida Williams is marketing manager at Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc.
