• Posted: September 18, 2024
• Craft Apprenticeship Program, Diverse Careers, Electrical Contractors' Association of Chicago and Cook County, IBEW/NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech), Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF), midwester solar expo, Summer Solar Program

At the heart of Powering Chicago’s workforce development is its robust apprenticeship program. Powering Chicago’s Executive Director, Elbert Walters III, recently had the opportunity to speak about this program during the 2024 Midwest Solar Expo. He joined SunCast Media for an interview at Powering Chicago’s booth to share the impact Powering Chicago is having on the next generation of skilled electricians. 

“Our members go through a rigid and really challenging five-year apprenticeship program, but the rewards are amazing. Not only do you come out of that with a career path, but that career path provides more than one opportunity,” Walters said.

This apprenticeship isn’t just about learning the trade; it’s about opening doors to diverse career possibilities. 

“You can actually go into being a foreman and lead the crews, you can actually start your own electrical company, you can become a project manager,” Walters said.

The IL IBEW REF Summer Solar Program

The Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund (REF) Summer Solar Program is another shining example of innovative workforce development. The IL IBEW REF promotes the safe, productive and sustainable growth of renewable energy systems in Illinois through community partnerships, stakeholder engagement and educational services. The REF facilitates the Craft Apprenticeship Program to empower and engage the next generation of electricians and renewable energy workers with an emphasis on and goal to increase the adoption of renewable energy systems. 

“This past year in 2023, we had 81 people come through that program. That was 81 jobs waiting for them on the other end of this,” said Bob Hattier, Executive Director of the Illinois IBEW REF.

This program doesn’t just train; it guarantees employment. 

“Every one of them went through the two weeks of training with us, one week at the school, and they all went to work the following Monday,” Hattier said. 

It’s a testament to the program’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between training and employment in the growing renewable energy sector.

IN-Tech: A Cutting-Edge Facility and Training Program

The IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, IL, stands as a beacon of cutting-edge training.

“We like to say that this is the Harvard of apprenticeships, and I’m not kidding – it is that good,” said Mark Thomas, Executive Vice President of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago and Cook County.

This state-of-the-art facility isn’t just keeping up with industry trends; it’s setting them.

“We have a full solar array there, we have EV charging there, we have battery storage there, and this is not something that’s new to our training programs. We’ve been doing this for 25-30 years,” said Thomas.

Powering Diverse Careers

Powering Chicago’s approach to workforce development goes beyond technical skills. It’s about creating well-rounded professionals ready for any challenge in the electrical industry.

“We are living the words of better construction, better careers, and better communities,” said Walters.

This commitment to holistic development ensures that the next generation of electricians in Chicago and Cook County are not just skilled technicians but potential business leaders, innovators, and community champions.

Energizing the Future

As the electrical industry evolves, particularly with the growth of renewable energy, Powering Chicago and its partners are ensuring that Chicago’s workforce stays ahead of the curve. Through comprehensive apprenticeships, innovative programs like IL IBEW REF’s Summer Solar Program, and world-class facilities like IN-Tech, we’re not just training aspiring electricians – we are powering careers, energizing communities, and illuminating the path to a brighter future for Chicago and Cook County.

Whether you’re a high school student considering your career options, a professional looking for a change, or simply curious about the future of the electrical industry in Chicago, we encourage you to learn more about our industry training programs that are preparing Illinois’ future workforce.