Enhancing the training of electricians helps to ensure the industry's future growth and professionalism. For many electricians, this means completing a formal four-or five-year apprenticeship program. Thanks to $50,000 donation from the Foundation of the Independent Electrical Contractors Inc., Alexandria, Va., five apprenticeship and training programs across the country will be able to enhance their training of electricians with new equipment for their apprenticeship labs.

These grants are part of the Foundation's continuing effort to enhance apprenticeship training on a local level. "Electrical contractors are beginning to feel the power of the IEC Foundation in their own back yard," said Foundation President Denny Denier. "We are meeting the workforce shortage head on by enhancing and expanding training opportunities. We are making people aware of what the foundation can do, and we are making an immediate difference with improvement to our front line programs."

The grants, made possible by a donation from industry partner, Square D, were announced during the IEC's 43rd Annual Convention in San Antonio. Training centers receiving the grants are: IEC Inc.-Florida West Coast Chapter in St. Petersburg, Fla.; IEC of Greater Cincinnati in Cincinnati; IEC Atlanta Chapter in Atlanta; IEC Ft. Worth/Tarrant County in Ft. Worth, Texas; and IEC Inc. San Antonio Chapter in San Antonio.