New York is moving aggressively toward a more sustainable future. From expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure to encouraging building electrification and supporting clean-energy initiatives, the state is making significant investments in modernization.
While much of the conversation focuses on technology, funding, and policy, Richard Sajiun believes there is another factor that deserves equal attention: the workforce needed to bring these projects to life.
As the CEO and master electrician of Sajiun Electric Inc., Richard Sajiun has spent years working on projects that support New York’s infrastructure. In his view, the long-term success of electrification efforts will depend not only on ambitious plans but also on having enough skilled professionals available to execute them.
A Growing Demand for Skilled Electrical Talent
The electrical industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth. Across New York, projects involving EV charging stations, electrical upgrades, and infrastructure modernization are creating new opportunities for licensed electricians.
However, this growing demand is occurring alongside a shortage of qualified workers.
Founded in 1965 by Richard Sajiun’s father, Sajiun Electric has worked on public infrastructure, healthcare facilities, government buildings, and commercial developments throughout New York. Through decades of experience, Richard has witnessed how the industry depends on highly trained professionals who possess both technical expertise and practical field experience.
According to Sajiun, electrical work has always been a profession built through mentorship and hands-on learning. The knowledge required to complete projects safely and effectively cannot be developed overnight and often comes from years of working alongside experienced electricians.
As veteran professionals continue to retire, fewer individuals are entering the trade, creating a widening gap between industry needs and workforce availability. Across the United States, industry estimates suggest that roughly 81,000 electrical positions need to be filled each year to meet growing demand. For New York, where major infrastructure and energy projects continue to expand, the shortage presents an increasingly significant challenge.
Supporting New York’s Expanding EV Infrastructure
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles has intensified the need for a skilled electrical workforce. New York City’s Local Law 55 requires parking facilities to gradually incorporate EV charging infrastructure in the years ahead. Meeting these requirements will involve large-scale electrical upgrades and the installation of extensive charging networks across the city.
At the same time, programs such as Con Edison’s PowerReady initiative and New York’s Make-Ready program are helping businesses prepare for the transition by offering incentives and financial support for EV charging projects.
While these initiatives are accelerating progress, Sajiun emphasizes that infrastructure development ultimately depends on qualified professionals.
He believes that while technology, funding, and government programs are important, successful implementation still requires licensed electricians who can safely install, maintain, and upgrade electrical systems. Without a sufficient workforce, projects can face delays regardless of how much funding or policy support exists.
For Sajiun, the question is no longer whether electrification will continue; it is whether the industry can develop enough skilled workers to keep pace with demand.
Building the Workforce of the Future
Richard Sajiun believes the solution begins with investing in the next generation of electricians.
At Sajiun Electric, mentorship remains a core part of the company’s culture. New employees work alongside experienced professionals, gaining practical knowledge through real-world projects and hands-on training.
Sajiun believes that becoming a successful electrician involves more than learning technical skills. It also requires understanding safety standards, accountability, problem-solving, and the responsibility that comes with working on systems that power essential infrastructure.
In his view, classroom education alone cannot replace the value of field experience. Learning directly from seasoned professionals allows future electricians to develop the confidence and expertise needed to handle increasingly complex projects.
As New York continues advancing its clean-energy goals, Sajiun believes workforce development should remain a central part of the discussion. EV charging stations, electrified buildings, and modern electrical infrastructure all rely on trained professionals who can turn plans into reality.
For Richard Sajiun, the future of New York’s clean-energy transition is not solely about technology or investment. It is also about ensuring that the skilled workforce needed to support that future is ready for the challenges ahead.
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