New York is investing heavily in its clean energy future. Electric vehicle charging networks are expanding, buildings are being pushed toward electrification, and government initiatives continue to support ambitious sustainability goals.
Yet amid the excitement surrounding these developments, a critical issue often goes overlooked: does the state have enough skilled workers to deliver the transition?
For Richard Sajiun, CEO and Master Electrician of Sajiun Electric Inc., the success of New York’s electrification efforts will ultimately depend on the people responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure.
The Workforce Challenge Behind Electrification
The demand for electrical work is growing rapidly across New York. EV charging installations, building retrofits, and infrastructure modernization projects are creating unprecedented opportunities for the electrical industry.
However, this surge in demand comes at a time when the sector is experiencing a shortage of qualified electricians.
Sajiun Electric, founded in 1965 by Richard Sajiun’s father, has spent decades serving public infrastructure, healthcare facilities, government buildings, and commercial projects throughout New York. Over the years, Richard has seen firsthand how the industry relies on experience, practical knowledge, and skilled craftsmanship.
“Electrical work has always been a trade built on mentorship,” says Sajiun. “The expertise required to complete projects safely and efficiently is learned over time through hands-on experience.”
As experienced electricians retire, fewer young professionals are entering the trade, creating a growing gap between workforce supply and industry demand.
Industry estimates indicate that approximately 81,000 electrical positions must be filled every year across the United States to keep pace with demand. In a state as active as New York, where infrastructure projects continue to expand, the impact of this shortage is becoming increasingly apparent.
EV Infrastructure Growth Requires Skilled Professionals
The rise of electric vehicles has added further urgency to the workforce conversation.
New York City’s Local Law 55 requires parking facilities to gradually introduce EV charging infrastructure over the coming years. Meeting these requirements will involve significant electrical upgrades and the installation of thousands of charging stations across the city.
Government-backed initiatives such as Con Edison’s PowerReady program and New York’s Make-Ready program are helping businesses prepare for these changes by providing financial incentives and support.
While these programs help accelerate adoption, Richard Sajiun believes that funding alone cannot guarantee success.
“Policies and incentives are important, but every project still relies on licensed electricians to carry out the work,” he explains. “The challenge isn’t whether the technology exists. It’s whether there will be enough trained professionals available to install and maintain it properly.”
Without a strong workforce, even the most ambitious clean-energy plans can face delays and implementation challenges.
Investing in the Next Generation
For Sajiun, addressing the shortage begins with developing future talent.
At Sajiun Electric, mentorship and hands-on training remain central to the company’s approach. New team members work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining practical experience that extends far beyond classroom instruction.
According to Sajiun, electrical work involves far more than technical knowledge. It requires an understanding of safety, responsibility, and the complexities of systems that power critical infrastructure.
“Becoming a skilled electrician takes time,” he says. “There’s no substitute for learning directly from experienced professionals in the field.”
As New York continues to expand its electrification efforts, Sajiun believes workforce development must become part of the broader conversation. Charging stations, modernized buildings, and upgraded electrical systems all depend on qualified individuals who have the expertise to bring projects to life.
For Richard Sajiun, the future of New York’s EV transition is about more than infrastructure investment. It is about investing in the workforce that will make that future possible.