[photo credit: Pasadena Heritage]
Armed with wire strippers, students as young as 10 will step into the celebrated parlors next Tuesday not to study architecture, but to learn how to power it.
The pilot program, “Power Up, Pasadena!” (PUP), represents an unusual partnership.
Organized by Pasadena Heritage and led by volunteers from the City of Pasadena and IBEW Local 18, the initiative aims to address a national crisis: the critical and growing shortage of skilled tradespeople.
With the clean-energy transition driving demand for grid modernization, the need for electricians is outpacing other occupations.
Yet retirements among older workers are creating a widening gap.
Mayor Victor Gordo spotlighted the stakes of vocational training in remarks about the program.
“You’re not just learning a trade. You’re shaping the future of Pasadena,” Gordo said.
“This program builds pathways to good careers, strong communities, and brighter futures.”
The free, hands-on workshop introduces students aged 10 to 17 to electricity fundamentals using real tools under strict supervision.
Power Up, Pasadena! will run on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. at Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Ave., in Pasadena.Blinn House, 160 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena. For more call (626) 441-6333 or visit https://www.pasadenaheritage.org/events-tours/power-up-pasadena.
