• Posted: August 26, 2024
• electrical construction, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech), Renewable Energy

Electrical Apprentice Program: Training the Next Generation of Skilled Electricians

Powering Chicago’s Electrical Apprentice program at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, Illinois, is preparing the next generation of electricians for success. This five-year, paid apprenticeship offers aspiring electrical apprentices comprehensive training in electrical construction, renewable energy systems, and much more.

While many students choose the conventional college path and graduate with significant student loan debt, apprentices in our program undergo five years of paid, intensive training. This equips them with the skills to secure high-demand union positions and competitive wages in the electrical construction industry.

“Union electricians have long been in high demand, but the recent increase in renewable energy projects has significantly expanded job opportunities for both current and future apprentices,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago. “Acknowledging that the traditional college route may not be suitable for everyone, we are committed to educating young people about alternative career paths in the trades, where they can build rewarding and well-compensated careers.”

Job Growth Opportunities for Illinois Electricians

The employment rate of electricians is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the predicted growth rate for all occupations. The rise in job opportunities is due to increased demand for renewable energy because electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing renewable energy systems and infrastructure. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that 21% of the electricity produced in the United States in 2023 came from renewable energy sources. Additionally, the EIA projects that by 2050, renewable energy will account for 44% of the country’s electricity generation.

The expansion of renewable energy sources can be attributed to various government incentives. For instance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in July 2024 it would fund more than $430 million to the state of Illinois to tackle climate change, improve air quality and advance environmental justice. 

In November 2023, Illinois introduced a $4,000 rebate for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, aiming to support the state’s goal of having one million EVs on the road by 2030. This initiative alone would require the installation of approximately 30,000 more charging stations across the state.

Training the Next Generation of Skilled Tradespeople

The electrical apprentice program at IN-Tech offers a comprehensive training experience. Over the five-year paid program, apprentices complete:

• 8,000 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job training
• Approximately 300 hours of safety-specific training

The state-of-the-art facility includes a renewable energy training field, providing hands-on learning experiences with systems covering all aspects of renewable energy, including wind, solar, electric vehicle charging, and battery storage.

Upon completion of the program, graduates enter the electrical construction industry debt free and receive job placement assistance. The financial benefits are significant: while the estimated starting annual salary for a college graduate in Chicago is around $44,335, a Powering Chicago electrical construction journeyperson can earn almost double that amount working a 40-hour workweek.

As the demand for skilled electricians continues to grow, particularly in the renewable energy sector, programs like Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship offer an attractive alternative to traditional college education. They provide a path to well-paying, secure careers without the burden of student loan debt, while also helping to meet the increasing need for skilled professionals in the rapidly evolving field of electrical construction and renewable energy.

To learn more about Powering Chicago, visit PoweringChicago.com. For more information on the IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship program and to enroll, visit ejatt.com