Apprenticeship Programs Battle the Stigma Surrounding Blue-Collar Work

Mike Malloy, training director for the Arizona Pipe Trades, discovered his path in the skilled trades almost by accident. During his high school years, Malloy didn’t consider such a career, influenced instead by school counselors who suggested that poor academic performance would limit him to construction work.

After a brief stint in college, which ended after just one semester, Malloy’s future appeared uncertain. A pivotal conversation between his father and a client brought clarity: the client provided a phone number for the local union hall. “He told me to call and inquire about an apprenticeship,” Malloy recalled.

Within weeks, he took an aptitude test and began his apprenticeship. Today, over 30 years later, Malloy manages the same program that helped shape his professional life. “When I stumbled across this, it was a fluke,” he noted, emphasizing that skilled trade opportunities were once considered well-kept secrets in Arizona.

Apprenticeship programs offer a unique “earn-while-you-learn” model, allowing participants to gain practical experience with minimal financial burden. Graduates typically achieve a livable wage, job security, and considerable opportunities for advancement.

Despite the successes of these programs, a persistent stigma remains. Malloy highlighted the outdated belief that a four-year college degree is the only path to success. “You funneled them into a four-year degree and told them that if you ever want to make anything out of yourself, you’ve got to go to a university,” he said.

However, he observes a shift, with more awareness regarding the value of skilled labor, especially among younger generations. Across Arizona, there are currently 33 registered apprenticeship programs open for application, broadening prospects for those interested.

Shawn Hutchinson, director of the Phoenix Electrical Apprenticeship Program, supports this growing trend but acknowledges the ongoing challenge posed by conventional educational pathways. “To be really successful in life, you have to have at least a bachelor’s degree,” he remarked, expressing disappointment that many still overlook trade careers.

The increasing number of applicants, however, reflects a change. Hutchinson shared that applications have surged from 200-400 annually ten years ago to an estimated 2,200 this year. This growth is attributed to the rising demand for labor and enhanced visibility of apprenticeship programs.

Initiatives such as BuilditAZ, aimed at doubling the number of registered apprentices, are further promoting careers in skilled trades. Governor Katie Hobbs allocated $500,000 to support these programs, seeing it as essential for future investments.

Hutchinson emphasized the impact of this support on high school counseling, advising graduates to consider trade careers. However, both directors recognize the need for more female participation in these programs. Of the 8,571 active apprentices in Arizona for FY2025, just 12.82% are women, though this figure is an improvement from 7% in FY2020.

Hutchinson remarked on the difficulty of changing perceptions about women in construction. “We’re losing 50% of our population already on a stigma that construction is not for females,” he stated, although he also noted a positive trend in increasing female participation.

Together, Malloy and Hutchinson collaborate with Career and Technical Education Programs and participate in career fairs, working diligently to eliminate the stigma that once plagued the skilled labor sector. “We’re no longer that best-kept secret,” Malloy asserted, a testament to the evolving landscape of trade careers in Arizona.