• Posted: September 21, 2023
• Apprenticeship Program, better careers, better communities, better construction, IBEW Local 134, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, Registered Apprenticeship, Renewable Energy, renewable energy careers, Safety

As the school year commences for Chicagoland students, Powering Chicago, an advocate for the union electrical construction industry in Chicago and Cook County, is gearing up to welcome aspiring electricians to its Registered Apprenticeship program. Taking place at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) in suburban Alsip, this program offers five years of paid training, equipping apprentices with essential skills to secure lucrative union jobs within the thriving electrical construction sector. With the surge in renewable energy, the demand for union electricians has never been greater, making this apprenticeship an attractive alternative to traditional college education burdened by financial obligations.

Job Growth opportunities for Illinois Electricians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate of electricians in Illinois is projected to grow by approximately 7% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the predicted growth rate for all occupations by 3%. This accelerated growth can be attributed to the increased focus on renewable energy, where electricians play a vital role in installing, maintaining, and repairing renewable energy systems and infrastructure. From 2001 to 2021, renewable energy grew from 7.7% to 20% of total electricity generation, with forecasts indicating that it will supply 44% of US electricity by 2050. The expansion of renewable energy is propelled by government incentives and initiatives, such as the introduction of a $4,000 rebate for electric vehicle purchases in Illinois, which aims to have one million EVs on the road by 2030.

Training Skilled Tradespeople for renewable energy careers

The five-year Registered Apprenticeship program at IN-Tech offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines 8,000 hours of classroom and on-the-job training, along with 200-300 hours of safety-specific training. At this cutting-edge facility, apprentices have access to a renewable energy training field that provides hands-on learning experiences encompassing various aspects of renewable energy, including wind, solar, electric vehicle charging, and battery storage. Upon completing the program, graduates enter the electrical construction industry without student loan debt and receive job-placement assistance, setting them up for a promising career. In fact, compared to the estimated starting annual salary of around $55,260 for new college graduates, Powering Chicago electrical construction journeypersons can earn almost double that amount by working a 40-hour workweek.

Powering Chicago’s role in preparing the next generation of union electricians

The Registered Apprenticeship program offered by Powering Chicago in collaboration with IN-Tech presents a compelling opportunity for individuals seeking fulfilling and well-paying careers in the renewable energy sector. With the demand for skilled union electricians on the rise, this program prepares apprentices for success in a rapidly evolving industry. By offering comprehensive training and hands-on learning experiences, Powering Chicago is equipping the future generation of electricians to contribute to the growth of renewable energy and meet the changing needs of the electrical construction sector.