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News

NECA, IBEW Partner with Illinois School District on Workforce Development Initiative

Apr 16, 2019

The National Electrical Contractors Association has entered into a partnership with an Illinois-based school district to allow students to get ahead on pursuing an apprenticeship, another example of its meaningful efforts to bring more talent into the electrical construction industry.

Maine Township High School District 207 recently announced that it formed the agreement and will work with NECA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ technical institute.

This is how it works: Students at Maine East, Maine South and Maine West can earn points toward the IBEW’s apprenticeship application if they earn grades of a C or better in certain math, science and career education classes.

“This idea deserves an A+,” said Kevin Tighe, NECA’s Executive Director of Labor Relations and Workforce Development. “NECA is always looking for ways to recruit and build a stronger workforce, especially with dedicated young people.”

District 207 credited a Maine East teacher with helping to create the connection, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Melissa Damewood said the new partnership will offer the district’s students “a competitive edge into the electricians apprenticeship program.”