Rocky Coastal Electric, a small electrical contracting company in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, has announced a formal mentorship program that guarantees a standing spot on its crew for someone new to the electrical trade. The commitment, led by owner and Master Electrician Corey Hunt, is designed to provide hands-on training and a structured path toward licensing, contrasting with classroom-only programs and short-term apprenticeships that often leave trainees without the practical experience needed to succeed.
The significance of this move extends beyond one company. Maine, like many states, faces a shortage of skilled electricians as older workers retire and demand for electrical services grows. By creating a consistent entry point for new workers, Rocky Coastal Electric is addressing a critical workforce need in the Lewiston-Auburn area. The program’s structure—pairing mentees with licensed electricians on real jobs, tracking their hours against state licensing requirements, and holding regular one-on-one check-ins—ensures that participants gain both the technical skills and the accountability necessary to become competent tradespeople.
Hunt’s own career path informs the initiative. He began as a helper on solar installations in Massachusetts in 2014, later worked for ESM, earned his Master Electrician license, and joined the IBEW, traveling the country with various union locals. “I got where I am because people ahead of me were willing to show me things instead of just handing me a task list,” Hunt said. “That’s the same reason I keep a spot open on my crew for somebody starting out. It costs me time up front. It pays back for years.”
The program’s three-part approach—paired job assignments, a licensing track, and regular check-ins—reflects a deliberate effort to avoid common pitfalls. Mentees are not relegated to menial tasks but are integrated into real work from the start, gradually taking on more responsibility. Hunt monitors their progress against Maine’s licensing requirements, ensuring that their on-the-job hours count toward advancement. This practical focus is crucial in a field where hands-on experience is irreplaceable.
“I don’t think you can build a good electrician by just letting them figure it out alone,” Hunt said. “You also don’t build one by keeping them off real jobs too long. The balance is putting them next to someone who will correct their mistakes before those mistakes cost a homeowner money.”
Hunt’s commitment to mentorship is not a one-time hiring push but an ongoing standard. He plans to keep the mentorship slot filled as the company grows, adding a second position when workload allows. This approach prioritizes quality over quantity. “I’d rather do this slow and do it right,” Hunt said. “One person who actually becomes a good electrician is worth more to me than filling seats.”
The implications for the local community are substantial. By providing a reliable pathway into the trades, Rocky Coastal Electric helps build a skilled workforce that can support the region’s infrastructure and economy. The program also serves as a model for other small businesses, demonstrating that mentorship can be integrated into daily operations without requiring large-scale resources. In an industry where knowledge transfer is often informal and inconsistent, Hunt’s structured yet flexible approach offers a sustainable solution.
As the demand for electrical services continues to rise, initiatives like this one will be essential to ensuring that communities have access to qualified professionals. Rocky Coastal Electric’s mentorship program not only strengthens the company but also invests in the future of the trade and the Lewiston-Auburn area.
