Independent Electrical Contractors
Building Your Future Workforce: A Foundation for Success
Electrical contractor success relies on access to a skilled, knowledgeable workforce that is prepared to meet the demands of the evolving electrical industry. At IEC, we’re committed to providing you with the tools, resources, and support necessary to attract, train, and retain top talent. Our Workforce Development initiatives are designed to ensure the future of electrical contracting businesses remain strong by equipping the next generation of electricians with the skills they need to thrive.
National Impact
At the national level, IEC is leading efforts to create a sustainable pipeline of talent for the electrical industry. Our initiatives aim to attract and inspire the next generation of electricians, ensuring your company—and the industry as a whole—has a bright future ahead.
National Apprenticeship Program
IEC’s nationally recognized apprenticeship program equips aspiring electricians with the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed. We’re raising awareness across the country to encourage individuals to pursue high-demand, high-paying careers in electrical work.
myelectriccareer.com: Our Lead Generation Platform
To support the growing interest in the electrical industry, we’ve developed myelectriccareer.com, a national platform designed to connect individuals interested in the electrical trade with IEC chapters. By streamlining the process, this platform helps you attract potential apprentices quickly and efficiently.
National Outreach & Recruitment Campaigns
IEC is actively engaging students and career influencers across the country. Our outreach efforts introduce students, young adults, transitioning service members, career-switchers, and the important people in their lives (influencers) to the many opportunities available in the electrical industry, including:
- Engagement in workforce development coalitions, like the Coalition for Workforce Development through CTE.
- Attendance at national events like SkillsUSA, ASCA, ACTE.
- Social media campaigns to target potential apprentices and their families.
- Resource development for recruitment initiatives.
Member Impact
While national efforts lay the groundwork, the real impact happens at the local level—on job sites and in communities. IEC provides tools, resources, and guidance to help contractors take proactive steps in building their own workforce. Here’s how you can take advantage of our resources and make a difference:
Attend College and Career Fairs
- Participating in local career fairs is a powerful way to meet potential apprentices and showcase job opportunities your company. By interacting with students, you can inspire the next generation of electricians.
- Host a booth at high school (or even middle school) career fairs.
- Partner with local technical schools to connect with students already interested in the trades.
- Leverage IEC’s recruitment materials to enhance your presence.
Host Job-Site Field Trips
- Invite students or educators to visit your job sites and see electrical work in action. These eyes-on experiences can spark interest in electrical careers and help students understand the real-world application of skills they learn in school.
- Coordinate with local high schools and vocational programs to host field trips.
- Offer job shadowing experiences to students considering a trade career.
- Highlight the variety of projects you handle, from residential to commercial.
Utilize STEM Resources for Career Exploration
- Engage younger students by participating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs and activities. By introducing elementary, middle, and high school students to the electrical industry early on, you can build interest and excitement for future careers.
- Partner with local after school programs to offer workshops or presentations.
- Sponsor classroom activities or donate supplies for electrical experiments.
- Host or participate in hands-on demonstrations at school STEM events.
Offer Internships or Job Shadowing Opportunities
- Providing internships or job shadowing opportunities are a direct way to build your future workforce. By giving students hands-on experience, you’re cultivating the next generation of electricians while ensuring they gain the skills needed to succeed in the trade.
IEC National provides three certificate options for apprentices:
- 16 Science Experiments to Teach about Electricity
- Stem Activities
- IEC Marketing Toolkits
Partner with IEC to Build a Strong Workforce
Your role in shaping the future of the electrical industry is critical. Whether you’re engaging with local schools, attending career fairs, or offering internships/job shadowing opportunities, your efforts help secure a strong workforce. IEC is here to support you every step of the way.
