The Emerging Leaders Program is a transformative six-month program equips high-potential individuals with the skills and experiences to excel as leaders within their organizations and the electrical industry at large. Over the course of the program, participants engage in dynamic learning experiences that combine leadership development, workforce solutions, and strategic industry impact. Learn more about the program and cohort member here.
This year’s Emerging Leader Cohort focused their project on encouraging the involvement of the younger generation through our web design which includes personality tests, a day in the life montage video, and a curriculum-based Minecraft world that demonstrates how electrical current and creativity play hand in hand through Minecraft education edition.
Welcome to your first spark in the electrical industry! Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher this page is your launchpad to explore exciting careers, hands-on learning, and real-world impact.
Below you will find lots of ways to learn more about the electrical industry through games, job assessment quizzes, day in the life videos and more.
A career in the electrical industry starts with the right foundation — and that begins with apprenticeship.
IEC apprentice electricians earn a paycheck while they learn, gaining hands-on experience in the field without the burden of college debt. With just one night of class per week and full-time work alongside experienced professionals, IEC apprentices build real-world skills and connect with contractors who are invested in their future.
Want to get involved with IEC but not sure where to start? Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or contractor, your local IEC chapter can help you access training opportunities, resources, and events to support your journey.
Electricians do more than flip switches, they power hospitals, homes, schools, and the future. Explore how this high-demand industry works, who it needs, and why your skills matter.
Electricians are the power behind everything—from lighting up your home to wiring hospitals, schools, and high-tech buildings. The electrical industry is full of opportunities for people who like to build, solve problems, and make things work. Whether you’re hands-on, tech-savvy, or a natural leader, there’s a path for you here.
Jump into our custom Minecraft world and learn how real electrical systems work—Redstone style! This fun, interactive experience helps you think like a future electrician while building your own powered creations.
Not sure where you’d fit in the electrical world? Take our quick personality quizzes to discover which career path in the trade matches your strengths, interests, and work style.
Watch short videos that give you a behind-Im the-scenes look at what it’s like to be an apprentice, a foreman, a project manager, or even a business owner in the electrical industry.
Wondering what it really looks like to work in the electrical field? These short videos show real men and women in action from wiring buildings to managing big projects. Whether you’re curious about field work, leadership roles, or tech-based careers, these stories bring the trade to life.
BIM is a digital process used by architects, engineers, and contractors to design, plan, and build structures more efficiently. It creates detailed 3D models that help teams visualize, coordinate, and manage every stage of a project- from concept to construction.
Building Information Modeling. It’s a process and technology used in the construction industry to create and manage digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of buildings and infrastructure. BIM goes beyond simple 2D or 3D drawings, integrating data about a building’s components, materials, and systems, allowing for better collaboration, planning, and management throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Think of it like this:
Imagine you’re working on a group project to build a super detailed LEGO city. But instead of just building it with bricks, you also create a digital version on a computer that shows everything—what each building looks like, what it’s made of, how the plumbing and electricity work, and even how much it costs.
That digital version is what BIM is for real buildings. It’s a 3D model that includes not just the shape of the building, but also all the important info about how it’s built and how it works. Architects, engineers, and construction teams use BIM to plan, design, and build smarter and faster—kind of like having a superpowered blueprint that everyone can see and update in real time.
Tech-Savvy
They’re comfortable using computers and learning new software, especially 3D modeling programs like Revit or AutoCAD. If you enjoy video games with building or design elements (like Minecraft), you might enjoy this too!
Detail-Oriented and Creative
They like designing things and thinking about how stuff fits together. They pay attention to small details, like making sure a door doesn’t open into a wall or that pipes don’t run through windows.
Team Player
They work with architects, engineers, and construction crews, so being able to communicate clearly and work well with others is super important.
Problem Solver
They enjoy solving puzzles likely figuring out how to fit everything into a building so it works well and looks good.
Always Learning
Technology and building codes change, so they’re always learning new tools and staying up to date.
High School (Grades 9–12)
Take classes in:
Explore interests:
After High School: Education Options
Option 1: Get Experience
Option 2: Associate degree (2 years)
Option 3: Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Start Your Career
Job titles to look for:
Keep learning! BIM tools and standards change, so certifications and ongoing training help you grow
Now that I finished school, what kind of Careers are in the BIM field?
Entry-Level Roles
Mid-Level Roles
Advanced Roles
Specialized Roles
| Entry-Level Roles | Mid-Level Roles | Advanced Roles |
|---|---|---|
BIM Trainee / Intern $25,000–$30,000/year (Novice to Advanced Beginner) BIM Technician $35,000–$60,000/year depending on experience National average: $99,170/year (with a range of $78,808–$117,062) | BIM Coordinator $40,000–$87,500/year National average: $78,209/year Design Technologist / VDC Specialist Typically ranges from $60,000–$90,000/year, depending on specialization and region | BIM Manager $60,000–$90,000/year Senior managers or those in large firms may earn more. BIM Consultant / Digital Construction Manager $80,000–$120,000/year Often includes bonuses or project-based incentive |
Work-Life Balance Factors
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Office-based or hybrid work: Many BIM roles allow for remote or hybrid setups, especially in design firms. Structured tasks: Much of the work is digital and process-driven, which can help with predictability and planning. Collaborative but not client-facing: Less direct pressure from clients compared to project managers or sales roles. | Deadline-driven: Project milestones can lead to crunch periods. Cross-team coordination: You may need to attend meetings across time zones or with multiple departments. Responsibility load: You're the go-to person for model accuracy and clash detection, which can be stressful if issues arise. |
Guiding the Next Generation of Tradespeople
Find free resources, lesson plan ideas, and tools to help your students or children explore rewarding careers in the electrical field—with support from IEC chapters nationwide.
Built by Future Leaders for Future Electricians
Let’s Spark Something Together
Want to share this resource with your school, community, or IEC chapter? Have a story to tell or a video to contribute? Reach out here —we’d love to hear from you!
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