Page 46 - IEC Insights Mar-April2020

FEATURE

This unique pitch on the electrical We need to explain that apprenticeship provides the
trade allows those preparing to join the best possible option for them to begin a business,
workforce, or those already in their post-
secondary journey, the opportunity to see even when you do not yet have the skills of the
the trade as more than someone running trade. The IEC apprenticeship model allows for
conduit, installing outlets, and digging people to earn while they learn, so our contractor
ditches. It allows them to see these steps
as a foundation for what their future members pay for our apprentices to go to classes
could be. It allows them to visualize more and pay them to work in full-time employment.
than simply working a job and attending
a class, but rather beginning a fulfilling
and exciting career. It allows those in the
community to start to visualize their son/
daughter/husband/wife/sister/brother as
a role model to those within their family. for those who may not have considered assistance and resources, and it may be
a career in the trades previously. We with partners that could help to grow
Now here is how to do it! We need to help to show how they can educate
explain that apprenticeship provides themselves and future employees the workforce in your area. Working with
the best possible option for them to while lending support to develop them organizations that reduce recidivism could
begin a business, even when you do not through their career journey, which also be a great way to set an example as
yet have the skills of the trade. The IEC is what our communities need to be a tradesperson with a business of their
apprenticeship model allows for people able to embrace and experience. own. Those re-entering society need
to earn while they learn, so our contractor work, and learning a trade that they
members pay for our apprentices to go to Where are these communities? Think know could grow into their own business
classes and pay them to work in full-time about the school districts within your could be incredibly encouraging.
employment. Their on the job training network. How familiar are they with the Showing our communities how amazing
then allows them to truly understand what work that you do? Inside of those schools, merit shop electrical and systems
the day to day operations of an electrical the workforce development strategy contractors are is a necessity for
contractor look like while learning how needs to be three-fold. First, we must use developing the workforce. We must move
to do the work. What great security to our strategy to let the students know that away from the stigma of the construction
know that even as a business owner, an electrical career is not only viable, but trades as a “less-than” profession.
you can always strap on a tool belt and also advantageous. Then we must get While not every person who enters the
know just how to help your team! that same message out to their parents. apprenticeship program will become a
Parents need to understand how their business owner, the point of this strategy
Next, we as Chapters and a National children could thrive in this industry if
Association must show that we will offer that is their goal, so that they can help is to show that the electrical industry
continuing education that helps them navigate their children toward this and provides an opportunity for all types of
in all roles throughout their career. Our feel confident about it. Finally, we need positions in society and that aspirational
National curriculum is a great first step to educate the educators. This is often goals of being a business owner are a
to show them how valuable IEC can be, the most difficult group to convince. reality. This strategy shows that they are
but our Chapters and events then show These educators have themselves gone invested in technology and education
them that we are there to help them grow to college and beyond to ensure their and it shows that the apprenticeship is
throughout their career. We continually career success, so they believe that is simply the first step in their long and
offer safety and field expertise classes, the best path for their students. We rewarding career. A career that may lead
but we also offer classes on the financials should show them that students of all to them living out the American dream!
of the construction industry, project academic levels can make excellent
management, multigenerational workforce additions to the electrical industry. Marissa Bankert is the Executive Director
management, and human resources. All of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the
of this support will make participants Outside of school districts, it’s very Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)
feel confident to step into their new important to go into communities that located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
enterprises and push themselves to grow have never seen what a successful Marissa also serves as the Vice President
into leaders of the electrical industry. business owner of a skilled trade looks of a newly chartered chapter of NAWIC
like. This could be demonstrated through (National Association of Women in
The merit shop philosophy and plethora agencies that exist to help those in Construction) and serves on various IEC
of resources from IEC Chapters helps to underprivileged populations, it may National committees Contact Marissa
demonstrate a map to business ownership at execdir@centralpaiec.org.
be with community groups that offer

44 Insights Magazine | March/April 2020 | www.ieci.org