The Electrical Training Alliance – Opportunity and Training for Electrical Workers

The Electrical Training Alliance was founded one the eve of America’s entry into World War II through the efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Through its joint electrical apprenticeship program, the Electrical Training Alliance helps to ensure those working in the electrical field of the construction industry meet the highest standards for expertise and professionalism.

In addition, the Electrical Training Alliance apprenticeship program provides excellent opportunities for those workers seeking a new career and need to earn a paycheck while they learn a new trade. On the job training gives these workers the chance for hands-on learning while getting decent wages for their contributions. One aspect of this commitment to providing training and opportunities is highlighted in the organization’s Helmets to Hardhats initiative, which helps to connect veterans of the armed forces with employers and providing assistance to these people in making a successful transition to civilian life. Students who wish to complete a college degree program in an electrical field can earn up to sixty college or university credits through a joint electrical apprenticeship. The Electrical Training Alliance programs also includes online coursework for students who wish or need to telecommute.

Aspiring electrical workers have a number of different career paths and specialties from which to choose, including wireman, lineman, tree trimmer and telecommunication installer. Certification programs include instrumentation, cable splicing and solar PV installation in more than 300 local training centers in America.

As a nonprofit 501(c) organization, the Electrical Training Alliance is able to provide these training programs at no expense to the taxpayer; it is fully self-supporting. At the same time, it is estimated that graduates of the program have contributed some $600 million to the national treasury through their own income taxes.

To date, more than 350,000 electrical workers in the U.S. and Canada have gone from apprentice to journeyman status through training and education provided by the Electrical Training Alliance.