• Posted: September 9, 2024
• Chicago, Democratic National Convention, Elbert Walters III, electrical construction, IBEW Local 134, Memorial Hall, Qualified Electrician, Safety, skilled workforce, trained workforce, Union Electrician, Workforce Development

Powering Chicago showcased its innovative mobile field trip truck at the IBEW Local 134 Union Hall during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that took place in Chicago this August. From August 19-22, the DNC brought delegates from all 50 states and U.S. territories to the McCormick Place Convention Center.

On August 21, Powering Chicago hosted a VIP tour of its state-of-the-art mobile field trip truck, demonstrating their commitment to electrical education and workforce development. The truck, a traveling educational platform, offers hands-on experiences and interactive displays to inform the public about the electrical industry and career opportunities within it.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Powering Chicago field trip truck to Memorial Hall, home of IBEW Local 134, and support its efforts to promote the unionized electrical industry,” said Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the innovative ways our electrical construction industry promotes the importance of electrical education and the vital role that skilled electricians play in our society.”

The convention attracted over 50,000 attendees. This provided an excellent platform for Powering Chicago to connect with a diverse audience of industry leaders, politicians, and dignitaries and promote the benefits of the unionized electrical construction industry.

Powering Chicago’s presence at the event underscores the organization’s dedication to:

1. Promoting electrical safety
2. Advancing workforce development in the electrical industry
3. Showcasing innovative educational tools like the mobile field trip truck
4. Supporting local communities through outreach and education

Those who toured the truck left with a greater appreciation for the electrical trade and the ongoing efforts of organizations like Powering Chicago and IBEW Local 134 to build a skilled, safe, and innovative workforce.

About Powering Chicago

Bringing together the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 electricians and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) of Chicago and Cook County, Powering Chicago is an electrical industry labor-management partnership that invests in consistently better construction, better careers and better communities within the metro Chicago region. Employing the latest technologies in electrical construction, its members are elevating industry performance through their commitment to safety, level of experience and reliability, while also investing in the future of skilled labor through an innovative apprenticeship program that is paving the way for the next generation of skilled electricians. For additional information, visit poweringchicago.com.