Powering Chicago Launches Campaign Focused on Better Construction, Careers, Communities

Powering Chicago, the voice of Chicago’s unionized electrical industry, recently launched a new campaign designed to underscore its investments in the future of Chicagoland. Powering Chicago is comprised of members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA).

The foundation of Powering Chicago’s commitment to better construction is a continuous investment in training for its members and the use of the latest technology in electrical construction to ensure every job is completed in accordance with the highest standards in the industry. Emblematic of this commitment is an innovative apprenticeship program for future Powering Chicago electricians at the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute in Alsip, Ill.

Funded exclusively by Powering Chicago members, the state-of-the-art institute sits on 29 acres in suburban Chicago and is comprised of numerous classrooms and technical labs within the 120,000-sq-ft building. The institute features a one-of-a-kind Renewable Energy Training Field complete with solar, wind, and battery storage components for apprentices and journeymen and women to learn about the latest technological advancements within the industry.

Apprentices take part in a 5-yr paid program that combines 1,200 hr of classroom training with extensive on-the-job training. During the program, apprentices learn basic electrical principles, safety standards, new technology, and the latest compliance standards in line with the Chicago electrical code.

The final two years of the program are flexible, and apprentices have the opportunity to participate in seminars on specific topics that will best serve them in the field. By the conclusion of the program, each apprentice is equipped with the skills necessary to advance the industry to ever-higher standards and performance.

Powering Chicago’s commitment to better careers is underscored by the advancement opportunities for apprentices who graduate from the IBEW/NECA Technical Institute. Once they become journeymen or journeywomen electricians, Powering Chicago’s members have access to ongoing education and training, providing those motivated to own their own businesses in metro Chicago with the support necessary to do so.

Members of Powering Chicago are also provided career advancement opportunities at IIT and Daley College, where they have the option to earn an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in a related field. These programs are discounted for Powering Chicago members.

Each year, Powering Chicago’s members take part in more than 100 charitable activities, playing a major role in rebuilding blighted properties and giving back to the communities in which its members live and work.

Some of the organizations Powering Chicago assists throughout the year include SOS Children’s Village, Rebuild Together Metro Chicago, Boy Scouts of America, and Ronald McDonald Charities.

For additional information, visit poweringchicago.com.