Cole began his career in 2019, fresh out of high school, following a family legacy of manual labor. He bypassed the financial burden of college, choosing instead to enter a four-year apprenticeship program through the Western Electrical Contractors Association. His employer, Corbins, funded his education and paid his salary while he balanced 156 hours of annual classroom instruction with 8,000 hours of field experience. He graduated as salutatorian in 2024, marking a rapid ascent from his starting wage of $15 an hour.
The rapid proliferation of AI data centers has redefined his career trajectory. Cole now spends his time traveling to sites in New Mexico and Texas, overseeing the complex electrical infrastructure required to power modern technology. He notes that the industry is remarkably accessible to young talent, pointing to colleagues in their early twenties who have already secured leadership roles. For Cole, the shift into the trades provided more than just job security; it enabled him to become the sole provider for his family, allowing his wife to remain home with their three children. He now focuses on mentoring the next generation of workers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the technical 'why' behind every project to ensure long-term professional growth.
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