• Posted: January 7, 2026
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Chicago electrical industry training, Electrical manufacturing careers in Chicago, Electrical workforce development in Cook County, IBEW Local 134, IBEW Local 134 manufacturing partnerships, Mission-critical electrical workforce

 

The IBEW Local 134 Manufacturing Fair 2025 reflected how Chicago’s electrical manufacturing sector is evolving to meet growing regional power demands. As industries across healthcare, research, and industrial operations expand their reliance on sophisticated electrical systems, the fair demonstrated how IBEW Local 134 and its manufacturing partners are strengthening the workforce required to support them.

Held in partnership with manufacturers across the region, the fair highlighted rising job opportunities, the importance of mission-critical reliability, and the value of strong workforce pipelines that connect qualified candidates to stable, long-term careers.

A Manufacturing Sector Positioned for Growth

One of the clearest themes of the event was the rapid acceleration of the switchgear and power distribution equipment sector. These areas are expanding quickly across the Midwest, creating sustained demand for workers with electrical manufacturing skills.

As part of that growth, fair attendees heard about the stability offered through union manufacturing careers. With wages, benefits, and working conditions negotiated through collective bargaining, companies gain access to a stable, high-performing workforce, and workers gain predictable career pathways. This foundation allows employers to maintain productivity while upholding the high standards expected in electrical manufacturing environments.

The IBEW Code of Excellence for Manufacturing reinforces these expectations. It provides a framework for consistency, outlining performance, safety, and professionalism standards that guide both workers and employers. This shared standard strengthens the partnership between IBEW Local 134 and manufacturers as the sector continues to scale.

Mission-Critical Environments Demand Reliability

The fair also highlighted how manufacturing supports facilities where power cannot fail. From medical research labs to hospital systems and industrial operations, uninterrupted electrical performance is essential.

“When you’re in the middle of a major experiment, if you’re working on a medical challenge or you have a hospital system, you can’t go down. That’s people’s lives, that’s people’s livelihoods,” said Grace Zeigler, Vice President of Human Resources at Thermflo.

Thermflo’s work in these environments reflects this responsibility, ensuring systems operate without interruption to protect both safety and productivity.

Building Workforce Pathways Through Partnership

A key part of the event’s success came from the partnership between IBEW Local 134 and regional manufacturers. With many manufacturing employers seeking new talent, the fair highlighted how collaboration can open meaningful career opportunities.

IBEW Local 134 receives a large number of apprenticeship applications each year. Sharing this candidate list with manufacturers created an immediate connection between job seekers and employers.

“We have an enormous pool of candidates that are trying to become apprentices… it only made sense to share that list with our manufacturing partners,” said Gene Kent, Director of IN-Tech IBEW Local 134.

The results spoke for themselves. One job fair attracted more than 250 candidates in a three-hour window and led to over 25 hires. A later, targeted event with Federal Signal filled nearly all 40 open positions. For many applicants, these roles offer a practical entry into the electrical industry—one that can grow into a long-term career or serve as a bridge into an apprenticeship.

Strengthening Training Access Through IBEW Local 134

Manufacturers who partner with IBEW Local 134 also benefit from access to the union’s apprenticeship school and training infrastructure.

 “One of the great things about being signatory with the IBEW is that you always have access to our apprenticeship school… the training that we’ve been developing for over 100 years,” said Kent.

This ensures workers entering manufacturing roles are supported by consistent, high-quality training aligned with industry needs and safety requirements.

A Growing Market Across the Midwest

Demand for electrical manufacturing talent continues to rise across the region as more organizations invest in complex electrical systems.

“It’s a huge market, and it’s only getting bigger in the Midwest,” said Zeigler.

As opportunities expand, the fair helps raise awareness about manufacturing as a viable and rewarding next step for individuals interested in entering the electrical industry.

The IBEW Local 134 Manufacturing Fair 2025 demonstrated how strategic collaboration between union leadership, manufacturers, and job seekers is helping Chicago meet its growing electrical and manufacturing needs. By connecting qualified candidates to high-quality jobs, supporting mission-critical environments, and offering access to industry-leading training, IBEW Local 134 continues to strengthen the region’s workforce and build pathways to long-term career success.

Explore Powering Chicago’s website to learn more about how IBEW Local 134 supports the workforce behind Chicago’s mission-critical electrical systems.