• Posted: December 5, 2023
• 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week, Alsip, Apprenticeship Program, better careers, Brother Rice High School, Chicago Area Electrical Contractors, Downers Grove South High School, Elbert Walters III, Electrical Construction Chicago, Electrical Contractors in Chicago, IBEW Local 134, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, labor shortages, National Apprenticeship Week, St. Rita of Cascia High School, STEM Competition

 

The week of November 13-19, 2023 marked the 9th annual National Apprenticeship Week. This nationwide event celebrated the accomplishments and importance of registered apprenticeship programs across the country. 

As part of the festivities, Powering Chicago hosted an open house event on November 17-18 at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in Alsip, IL. This free event was open to high school students and anyone interested in exploring careers in electrical construction. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with tool vendors, learn about the electrical industry, and see firsthand the excellent facility where Powering Chicago runs its innovative, Department of Labor certified, apprenticeship program.  

IN-Tech also hosted a STEM Competition for area high school students to commemorate National Apprenticeship Week. 200 students from 20 schools in the Cook County area participated. First place went to Downers Grove South High School. St. Rita of Cascia High School was awarded second place. And Brother Rice High School rounded things out in third place.  

Apprenticeships provide pathways to good-paying jobs and careers in many fields facing labor shortages, which is why it’s important for Powering Chicago to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week each year.

“Apprenticeships stand as a catalyst for economic resurgence, driving progress in racial and gender equity, constructing pathways to high-quality employment, and championing the empowerment of underserved communities,” Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago, explained.

This year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme was “Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Jobs.” The theme emphasizes how registered apprenticeship programs across diverse industries provide accessible training and quality employment opportunities. These programs aim to expand participation from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, youth, and other underserved populations.  

Powering Chicago’s electrical apprenticeship program develops the skilled workforce required to meet future demands in the Chicago metro region.

“Apprenticeship programs like the program offered at IN-Tech are vital for developing the skilled electrical workforce needed to meet future demands. National Apprenticeship Week highlights the promising careers available through electrical apprenticeships, which provide hands-on training for well-paying jobs with great benefits,” Gene Kent, Director at IN-Tech said.

This year’s National Apprenticeship Week also highlighted the following daily themes:

• Monday 11/14 – Registered Apprenticeship for Youth
• Tuesday 11/15 – Registered Apprenticeship in New and Emerging Industries 
• Wednesday 11/16 – Expanding Registered Apprenticeship to Underserved Populations
• Thursday 11/17 – Women in Registered Apprenticeship
• Friday 11/18 – Registered Apprenticeship for Veterans and Federal Employees

These daily themes showcase the versatility of registered apprenticeships across all industries and populations. The events and media coverage during National Apprenticeship Week aim to showcase the positive economic impacts of expanding registered apprenticeships. 

Powering Chicago was proud to participate in this year’s National Apprenticeship Week. Our electrical joint apprenticeship training program develops skilled and diverse talent to meet the needs of the Chicagoland construction industry. Learn how you can start a rewarding career in the skilled trades through our innovative apprenticeship program.