• Posted: December 14, 2022
• apprenticeship challenge, Apprenticeship Program, Elbert Walters III, Gene Kent, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, National Apprenticeship Week, Registered Apprenticeship

 

The IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) celebrated National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) by conducting its second annual apprenticeship challenge, giving apprentices a chance to showcase their skills and providing industry leaders an opportunity to thank them for the work they do.

“Our finalists are competing in four different tasks. We’re having them do a motor control exercise, a conduit and circuit exercise, a code evaluation. And they’re climbing our wind turbine training tower for time today,” said Gene Kent, director of IN-Tech.

At the end of the competition, the apprentices who finished in the top three places earned cash prizes.

“Powering Chicago has kindly donated cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third place,” said Kent.

Powering Chicago’s executive director Elbert Walters III was on-site to encourage the apprentices and to share his gratitude for the work they do.

“Thank you for being the best apprentices in the IBEW,” said Walters.

The top three finalists also received heated jackets and tools donated by Milwaukee Tool.

“What we’re trying to do here is show our apprentices how important they are to us and how they affect the future of the unionized electrical industry,” said Kent.

National Apprenticeship Week takes place each year in the middle of November and stands as an opportunity to highlight the benefits that Registered Apprenticeship programs provide workers and employers. During this annual celebration, industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities.

Visit IN-Tech’s website to learn about how it provides accessible pathways to careers in the trades through its Registered Apprenticeship program.