Ardit Islamaj didn’t always know he’d become an electrician. But growing up in Massachusetts, surrounded by hard-working people, he was always drawn to work that made a real difference.
Today, he’s a licensed electrician working across the state, doing just that.
“I’ve always liked working with my hands,” Ardit says. “Even as a kid, I liked fixing things. I wanted a job where I could see the results of what I did every day.”
Ardit grew up in a small, close-knit neighborhood. He remembers seeing local tradespeople fixing things, solving problems, and helping neighbors. That stuck with him. It wasn’t long before he realized that learning a trade might be the right path.
After high school, he chose to study at Martin Electrical & Technical School in Norwood, Massachusetts. Martin is a respected local school that trains people for real jobs in the electrical industry. It’s known for its practical focus, experienced instructors, and hands-on learning.
“I didn’t want to sit in a classroom all day and memorize things,” Ardit explains. “Martin was different. The teachers were electricians themselves. They showed us real tools, real plans, and real problems. That’s how I learn best.”
At Martin, Ardit studied everything from basic wiring to the National Electrical Code. He worked with real equipment and learned the kind of skills you can’t get from a book. He also got a sense of the responsibility that comes with being an electrician.
“You’re dealing with something serious,” he says. “Electricity isn’t something to mess around with. You have to respect it. That’s one of the first things we learned.”
After graduating, Ardit got licensed and started working on a wide range of jobs. From small home repairs to bigger commercial projects, he’s built up experience in almost every type of electrical work.
“No two days are the same,” he says. “One day I’m installing lights in someone’s kitchen. The next, I’m troubleshooting wiring in a warehouse. You never stop learning in this job.”
Even with all the technical challenges, Ardit says the people are the best part of the work.
“You walk into someone’s home or business, and they trust you to fix something important,” he says. “That means something to me. I take it seriously.”
Ardit also talks about how the field is always changing. New technology and updated codes mean electricians have to stay sharp.
“Smart homes, solar panels, EV chargers — it’s not just switches and outlets anymore,” he says. “You’ve got to keep learning or you’ll fall behind.”
He’s also noticed that more young people are becoming interested in trades, especially as college costs rise.
“There’s a lot of pressure to go to a four-year school, but it’s not for everyone,” he says. “I tell people — learn a trade. It’s honest work, it pays well, and it’s needed.”
Despite his growing skills and busy schedule, Ardit hasn’t forgotten where he started. He sometimes mentors younger students who are thinking about going into the trades.
“I had people who helped me early on, who gave me advice and showed me how things worked,” he says. “Now I try to do the same. Even if it’s just answering questions or pointing them in the right direction.”
When asked about what success means to him, Ardit keeps it simple.
“For me, it’s about doing good work and being someone people can count on,” he says. “That’s enough.”
He’s not interested in big titles or fancy tools. He just wants to keep learning, solving problems, and staying connected to his community.
“I like knowing I’m part of something bigger,” he adds. “When I wire a house or fix a circuit, I’m helping someone’s life run smoother. That’s what makes it worth it.”
Ardit’s story is one that a lot of people can relate to — local roots, real-world training, and a strong work ethic. In a time when everything seems to be moving fast and going digital, he reminds us that some of the most important work still happens with tools in hand, one wire at a time.
“Electricity’s invisible,” he says, smiling. “But when it’s working right, it lights everything up.”
Read more:
Spotlight: Ardit Islamaj – A Local Electrician Lighting the Way in Massachusetts