2018 NECA Convention Launches New Efforts to Battle Skilled Workforce Shortage
The 2018 National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Convention & Trade Show, schedule to be held this September 29 to October 2 in Philadelphia, will feature the latest incentives to reduce the industry’s critical skilled workforce shortage — a problem being faced across all building trades.
The convention’s first Town Hall meeting on the growing electrician shortage to meet current and future building demands and the latest apprentice incentives takes place on Sunday, September 30 at 11:30 a.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Presenters include NECA President David Long, IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson, and NECA CEO John M. Grau. The event runs during an expanded Apprentice Appreciation Day sponsored by the NECA Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter in partnership with the Philadelphia region’s Joint Apprentice and Training Committees (JATC).
Apprentice Appreciation Day will include a customized workshop aimed at enhancing and contributing to the needs of our professional apprentices working at all levels of electrical contracting, from first year to fifth year. Following the workshop, all participants will be granted free admittance to the NECA Show.
“Our $160 billion industry offers rewarding, high-paying careers to meet future building demands with paid on-the-job training and no college debt,” said NECA President David Long, president, Miller Electric Co., Jacksonville, Fla., who started his career as a construction wireman in the mid-1970s.
As millennials increasingly show an interest in skilled trades, NECA targets high school students seeking college alternatives, former military personnel, and related tradespeople. Electrical apprentices currently commit to a five-year paid program with a guaranteed job upon completion.
NECA 2018 is open to all electrical professionals, including nonmembers. For free trade show admission, go to Attendee Registration and use code NECA18.
For more information, visit www.necaconvention.org.
