The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) is proud to announce Bayer Electric as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Workforce Employer of the Year award. The honor will be presented during an awards ceremony at the 26th Annual NAWDP Youth Symposium on November 17 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Bayer Electric has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing the next generation of skilled professionals by offering pre-apprenticeship opportunities to young adults aged 16 to 24. Serving as a worksite host employer, Bayer Electric gives students hands-on experience in electrical work, introducing them to real-world professional environments. For many participants, this program marks their first exposure to career-focused work and frequently paves the way for long-term employment and continued education.
“The Employer of the Year award recognizes businesses that collaborate with workforce partners to create meaningful opportunities for youth and foster lasting community impact,” said Melissa Robbins, NAWDP Chief Executive Officer. “Bayer Electric exemplifies how public-private partnerships can open doors to long-term careers and transform the future for young adults in their community.”
Central to Bayer Electric’s youth development model is mentorship. Each participant is paired with experienced electricians and supervisors who provide guidance, trade-specific instruction, and support in developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and workplace safety.
Understanding the challenges many young people face in accessing career opportunities, Bayer Electric partners with Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley and other community stakeholders to recruit youth from underserved backgrounds. The company reduces barriers by providing transportation support, tools, and personal protective equipment, ensuring participants can fully engage with the program.
“We are deeply honored to be named NAWDP’s 2025 Youth Workforce Employer of the Year,” said Thomas Bayer, Electrician at Bayer Electric. “Investing in young people entering the skilled trades is at the heart of our mission. This award celebrates not only our efforts but also the growth and achievements of the youth who have joined our team through Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley. We are proud to help build strong career pathways in our community.”
Bayer Electric’s intentional investment in youth development has produced measurable results, including increased retention in skilled trades, higher enrollment in apprenticeship programs, and successful transitions into full-time employment. Beyond providing jobs, the company cultivates long-term career pathways, often hiring program alumni as full-time employees and supporting continued education within the electrical field.
About Bayer Electric
Bayer Electric, a family-owned electrical contracting company based in Bryan, Texas, has proudly served the Brazos Valley for more than 40 years. Known for its quality workmanship and commitment to integrity, the company provides municipal, commercial, and industrial electrical services while also investing heavily in workforce development. Through strong partnerships with Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley and apprenticeship programs, Bayer Electric is helping young people gain hands-on training, mentorship, and the tools they need to build long-term careers in the electrical trade.
