I'd suggest looking into specialty electrical such as controls and programming. Not everyone has the ability to do that work because not everyone is gifted with that kind of understanding. The more specialized, the less competition and the more money (typically). Plus specialty electrical will only continue to grow. If that interests him, that would be my suggestion. If not then the IBEW is an excellent choice.

Pro tip: Be willing and able to make money with your physical labor but gain the capability to make money with your brain. Injury and time are hell on the body.

I agree with outback. I'm a member of united associated as a hvac tech but main role at the moment is control room plant operator in a data center. But on any given day I may have to deal with troubleshooting of VFD centrifugal chilled water systems,VFD pumps and compressor, VFD cooling towers, VFD dx cooiling, water cooled servers, VRF equipment, pre action fire systems, PLCs, building management and automation. Just stating that to say as many avenues that are there for hvac mechanical techs there are as many avenues for electricians in an industrial/programming/automation environment.

Its not just turning wrenches or pulling wires. I'd recommend any young person get into either field and find a niche. Definite shortage of qualified people.

Also, FWIW, on top of our "normal" benefits, the UA has a college fund in place to where they'll pay for me to get an associates degree from partnered 2 year Schools or Bachelors degree from the partnered Universities. Most guys dont take advantage of it, though. I debated on getting another degree just for the hell of it since it's no out of pocket and could do it all online. Once Covid hit, I postponed the idea. But it's another selling point. He can work, learn while he works, get paid for it all and still take online classes for a degree of choice. And be debt free at the end of it, unlike most Young americans.

The very same can be said for military. Navy SeaBees, Army Corps of Engineers, Air Force Red Horse.
I've trained them all. Even trained a few Marine MEGs although that's a whole different Animal. 😉
But a young man can go into any branch of the military and learn a fine trade to make himself a good living.
And later take advantage of the GI bill for a totally free college education

Definitely. Most of the guys I work with are ex Army or Navy. Several are Navy Nuke guys. If I could go back in time I would have looked more into those options and would DEFINITELY recommend it fir any kid nowadays.

Navy Nuke guys make a fortune once they retire and get in the private sector. My brother in law went this route. Enlisted, then got selected for the Nuke program, then selected to go to OCS. Retired at 40 as a Commander and currently works for a defense contractor.

And a O5 salary ain't nothing to shrug either. A Navy Commander makes a good living and a fine retirement.

Data Centers love these guys, they like ex military in general. Mainly because they are so Process oriented and already familiar with critical processes. Our Data centers are full of them and when I interviewed at Facebook 2 years ago every guy that Interviewed me was either an ex Navy Nuke or some specialty trained Ex Military in Power generation or etc. Not bad routes to go once in the private sector

Anyone who joins the military now needs to be made aware that they need to i vest the max with their TSP as the traditional retirement check after 20 years is not the same it was. I’ve seen the charts and you can still do well but you need to put some money in along the way.

As far as trades, electrical field does seem like a great avenue. I have a young man that I am trying to me tor as he comes out of jail. I would love for him to get into this as he is intelligent just has madesome dumb mistakes. Not sure if anyone will take a chance on him but praying they will.

If he likes working on computers and like devices electronics tech might be better suited for him. I went through shelton state back in the 80's and it opened several doors.

I went to Reid State in Evergreen for their Industrial Electricity program. As others have said lots of different avenues...

My son is in the Industrial Electricity Program at Shelton State and seems to enjoy it compared to traditional college classes which they throw in enough to give him an Associates when he finishes in his field. I have friends that are high up in Industry that have told me he will have no problem finding work when he is through.

Y’all don’t like residential wiring

I've done it. But no I don't like it. 🤔

Ill be honest..i aint an electrician but i built a powerline or two..so kinda picked up the concept..i helped wire my mommas house and my new camper...very little compared to what electricians do...gimme hooks an a hoist anyday...i hate residential wirin...stuff is retarded...but IM retarded soooooo..that dont help either

Also a great big difference between NEC and NESC. Not that I can't learn both, but the NESC is much easier.