What We Heard: The Future of Apprenticeship Training
One national update that contractors should be watching is the continued evolution of apprenticeship training through the IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Alliance (ETA). Nearly 1,000 courses have now been converted to CML, allowing more knowledge-based instruction to be delivered through the platform and potentially creating more time at training centers for what cannot be learned online: hands-on work in labs, installations and fabrication.
The ETA is also piloting new pre-apprenticeship approaches and beginning work on standardized hands-on skill evaluations, all with an important goal for contractors: better preparing apprentices to contribute on the job from day one.
For NECA Boston, Maine and New Hampshire contractors, it is important to note that these are national developments, not changes to our local JATCs. Decisions about training and implementation remain local, and we are fortunate to have four strong apprenticeship programs with local leadership committed to preparing the next generation of skilled electrical workers.