As investment in infrastructure, energy and advanced technology creates new opportunities for electrical construction, preparing the workforce to deliver those projects is becoming an increasingly urgent priority.

NECA CEO David Long brought the electrical contracting industry’s perspective to that conversation on November 10 in Washington, D.C., participating in “Building a Skilled Workforce for the Next Era of Growth,” a panel hosted by BlackRock as part of the B20 USA Summit 2026 programming.

The event brought together leaders from business, labor and workforce development to examine how stronger training partnerships can help meet growing demand for skilled professionals. For NECA, the discussion provided an opportunity to highlight the longstanding partnership between electrical contractors and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), along with the importance of connecting workforce investments to employer needs.

“The projects, infrastructure and security being demanded today will depend on skilled electrical professionals who can turn those plans into reality in a safe and timely manner,” said Long. “Our partnership with the IBEW gives us a strong foundation to prepare that workforce. With employers, labor, government and private companies investing together, we can help more people enter the industry, develop their skills and build prosperous careers with room to grow.”

Moderated by John Kelly, BlackRock’s global head of corporate affairs, the panel also featured Kevin Bryenton, general president of Ironworkers International; Shawna Erdmann, senior vice president and chief talent and learning officer at AT&T; and Marina Zhavoronkova, executive director of TradesFutures.

The discussion centered on expanding access to apprenticeships, strengthening training capacity and anticipating the skills needed for upcoming projects. These priorities directly affect NECA contractors as they plan for work supporting energy infrastructure, manufacturing and the expanding AI economy.

Electrical contractors play an essential role in that planning. Their visibility into project schedules, local hiring needs and changing technical requirements can help training partners determine where to expand capacity and how to prepare apprentices for available opportunities. Earlier coordination among contractors, project developers and training organizations can strengthen the connection between recruitment, training and employment.

The event also highlighted BlackRock Future Builders, a $100 million philanthropic initiative focused on expanding access to careers in the skilled trades. In Texas, the initiative has committed approximately $30 million over three years to support more than 12,000 people pursuing electrical careers. Well underway, that investment has already proven how private funding can help established industry training partnerships reach more people.

Supporting those entering the industry extends beyond technical instruction. The panel’s focus included the financial challenges apprentices may face and the resources that can help them complete training. A partnership involving BlackRock, SaverLife and the electrical training ALLIANCE makes financial health resources available to 75,000 IBEW electrical apprentices.

“Recruiting someone into an apprenticeship is just the beginning of our responsibility to them,” Long said. “We also have to understand what could keep them from completing it. Pairing quality training with practical support, including tools to build financial stability, helps people stay on track and see a future of growth for themselves in this industry.”

NECA’s participation reinforced the value of bringing electrical contractors into broader conversations about economic growth. As businesses and investors plan new infrastructure, the industry’s experience in jointly funded training and apprenticeship offers a practical foundation for preparing the people who will build it.