• Posted: April 30, 2025
• Apprentice, better careers, better construction, electrical apprentice, electrical apprenticeship program, IBEW Local 134, IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, National Apprenticeship Day, Powering Chicago Apprenticeship Program, Safety

On April 30, 2025, the nation will come together to celebrate National Apprenticeship Day, a day to recognize the vital role that apprenticeship programs play in shaping our workforce. While National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is transitioning to a spring celebration in 2026, this year’s single-day event is an opportunity to highlight the organizations that are making a lasting impact by equipping professionals with in-demand skills.

The Power of Apprenticeships in Strengthening Our Economy

Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to economic mobility and industry innovation. Registered apprenticeships provide a structured, earn-while-you-learn model that ensures workers gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in their careers. These programs not only benefit individuals but also help businesses build a pipeline of highly skilled talent, ensuring industries remain competitive and prepared for the future.

Powering Chicago: A Model for Workforce Development

Powering Chicago is at the forefront of this movement as a leader in apprenticeship training and workforce development for the electrical construction industry. Through our partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Chicago (ECA), we provide a comprehensive apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with real-world, on-the-job experience.

Apprentices are trained and educated at a state-of-the-art facility in Alsip, IL, called the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech). IN-Tech provides a cutting-edge facility and training program for the electrical construction industry, designed to cultivate the best-trained, safest, and most reliable electricians on any job site.

What Sets Powering Chicago’s Apprenticeship Programs Apart?

1. Earn While You Learn – IBEW Local 134 apprentices receive competitive wages from day one, allowing them to gain financial stability while developing their skills.
2. Top-Tier Training Facilities – State-of-the-art training centers, like the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, IL, ensure apprentices have access to cutting-edge technology and industry best practices.
3. A Pathway to a Rewarding Career – Graduates emerge as highly skilled, union-certified IBEW Local 134 electricians ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.
4. Commitment to Safety & Innovation – Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship program emphasizes electrical safety, energy efficiency, and emerging technologies, preparing apprentices for the future of electrical construction.

Why National Apprenticeship Day Matters

This National Apprenticeship Day, we celebrate the commitment of apprentices and all organizations that provide career seekers with the tools to thrive. By investing in apprenticeship programs, we’re securing the future of skilled labor, fostering economic growth, and ensuring businesses have the workforce they need to succeed.

As we recognize the importance of apprenticeships, we encourage industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to continue supporting these programs. Whether you’re an employer looking to strengthen your workforce or an aspiring tradesperson seeking a dynamic career path, apprenticeships offer a gateway to opportunity and success.

Join us on April 30 as we celebrate the power of apprenticeship programs to transform lives, businesses, and industries for generations to come.