Thursday, 21 May 2026 01:20 PM
Company Update
Lewiston Master Electrician Corey Hunt urges young people and families across Maine to reconsider the trades as a path to stability and long-term growth.
LEWISTON, ME / ACCESS Newswire / May 21, 2026 / Corey Hunt, Master Electrician and owner of Rocky Coast Electric, is speaking out about an issue he believes directly impacts Maine's future: the shortage of skilled trades workers.
After more than a decade in the electrical industry - from solar installs in Massachusetts to union work across the United States - Hunt says Maine needs a renewed focus on vocational careers.
"I was just looking for guidance," Corey Hunt says. "The trades gave me direction."
He grew up in the Lewiston-Auburn area. He did not come from wealth. He found his path through hands-on work, persistence, and licensing discipline.
"If you want responsibility, you have to prove you can handle it," he says.
Now, as a business owner, he sees the gap clearly.
Why This Matters Now
The skilled trades shortage is real and growing.
The U.S. faces a projected shortage of hundreds of thousands of electricians over the next decade.
Maine has one of the oldest workforces in the country, with many trades professionals nearing retirement age.
Demand for electricians continues to rise due to solar expansion and electric vehicle charging installations.
The electrical field is projected to grow faster than many other occupations, according to federal labor data.
Hunt believes the issue is not lack of opportunity. It is lack of exposure.
"Most kids don't even know what the trades can offer," he says. "They just aren't shown the path."
He points to his own experience starting as a helper in solar roofing jobs in 2014.
"I earned it by showing up," he says. "Nobody handed me a title."
From Travel Work to Local Ownership
Corey Hunt traveled extensively during his early career, working for union locals across the country, including California. The travel helped him sharpen his craft.
"You see how different crews operate," he says. "You learn standards."
But when he became a father, priorities shifted.
"My kids needed me home," he says.
In March 2023, he launched Rocky Coast Electric in Maine. The company now handles residential, commercial, solar, and EV electrical work.
"When your name is on the truck, you work differently," he says. "There's no hiding behind a company."
His message is simple: the trades build independence.
Advocating for Trade Education and Awareness
Corey Hunt is encouraging families, schools, and young adults to rethink how they view vocational paths.
"The grid is changing," he says. "Electricians have to stay ahead."
Solar installations have grown steadily nationwide over the last decade. Electric vehicle adoption continues to expand. Electrical demand is not shrinking.
Yet enrollment in many vocational programs has not kept pace with workforce demand.
"In this business, integrity matters," he says. "Skill matters. Accountability matters."
He believes trades careers provide stability without requiring traditional four-year college debt.
What Individuals Can Do Right Now
Corey Hunt is not calling for policy changes. He is encouraging personal action.
Parents can:
Introduce teens to local technical schools.
Encourage job shadowing with local trades businesses.
Discuss alternatives to traditional college paths.
Young adults can:
Explore apprenticeship programs.
Research licensing requirements in Maine.
Consider union and non-union pathways.
Community members can:
Support local vocational programs.
Attend career fairs that feature trades.
Promote respect for skilled labor careers.
"Anybody can wire something," Hunt says. "Not everyone stands behind it."
He believes craftsmanship builds character.
"Growth doesn't stop," he says. "If you think you've arrived, you're done."
Call to Action
Corey Hunt of Lewiston encourages Maine residents to take one step this month to support skilled trades awareness.
Visit a local technical school. Speak with a licensed trades professional. Share information about apprenticeships.
Trades careers build families, businesses, and communities.
"You still have to climb it one step at a time," he says. "But the path is there."
About Corey Hunt
Corey Hunt is a Master Electrician based in Lewiston, Maine, and the owner of Rocky Coast Electric. He began his career in solar installations before earning his Master Electrician license in Maine and working with IBEW locals across the United States. In 2023, he launched Rocky Coast Electric, providing residential, commercial, solar, and EV electrical services. He remains committed to faith, family, and disciplined craftsmanship in the skilled trades industry.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE: Corey Hunt Lewiston