Page 35 - IEC Insights Mar-Apr19

FEATURE

IEC members are electrical contractors “Many baby boomers are hitting technology represents an evolution in
who work in all aspects of electrical/ retirement age and opting to leave the way electrical contractors work.
systems industry and are a part of the industry full-time or take contract However, inertia should not be a deterrent
reason why this industry is thriving positions,” said Paul Pompeo, president to doing work more efficiently. The onus
and will continue to thrive. While of The Pompeo Group, an Albuquerque, is on leadership teams to take the leap
most IEC members qualify as small N.M.-based recruiting firm specializing in of adopting this technology, educating
businesses, large, multi-area electrical positions within the lighting, electrical, themselves, and sponsoring early
contracting firms are also members of internet of things and controls arena. adopters to explore new tools and trends.
the association. IEC represents over “We definitely need to add more people
3,300-member businesses throughout the into the pipeline to meet the demand.”
United States and educates over 12,000
electricians and systems professionals 3. LACK OF VALUE OF TRADES.
each year through world-class training
programs. IEC contractor member 2. TECHNOLOGY IS PLAYING This is a misconception surrounding
companies are some of the premier A LARGER ROLE. the electrical construction industry due
firms in the industry responsible for to the lack of positive publicity. Many
over $8.5B in gross revenue annually. The electrical trade is on the cutting-edge individuals see the trades as a second
of technological advancement. Electricians option when in reality these jobs are
Despite the continued growth, several are dealing with higher demands, the backbone of our economy.
issues plague the electrical industry: more complex systems, and difficult
integrations in projects ranging from Almost every building has an electrical
power, communications, lighting,
high-tech installations to smart homes.
and control system that is installed
1. SHIFTING DEMOGRAPHICS. Though, there will inevitably be hesitation during construction and maintained
and even reluctance to adopt new after that. These systems power the
Traditionally, the Baby Boomers have technologies. Security concerns persist lights, appliances, and equipment
been the main source of expertise and for any new form of technology. These that make people’s lives and jobs
knowledge. They still are an important concerns can be alleviated by using an easier and more comfortable.
group, but the tide is shifting. Millennials application that is password protected
now are the largest population group and on a network that can be controlled. Here at IEC, we are working hard with
and represent the future for this market, our members to develop promising
but they are just at the beginning There is also a learning curve when solutions for each of these issues, by
stages of an effective knowledge adopting new technology. Mobile helping our members develop succession
transfer with the baby boomers. plans, training on new technologies and
staying on top of trends, and gaining
access to high school students and
parents to re-engage and develop
a sense of pride and respect for the
trades. The small yet impactful actions
will help IEC’s members survive these
issues and continue to grow and thrive
IEC members are electrical contractors in the electrical/systems industry.

who work in all aspects of electrical/ RaeShawn Crosson serves as Chief
systems industry and are a part of Operating Officer and is responsible for
the strategic and operational leadership
of IEC. She brings extensive management
reason why this industry is thriving experience to IEC with professional
expertise in strategic planning, training,
and will continue to thrive. investigation, change management, budget
preparation, compensation, technology
utilization, and communications. As a
Certified Public Manager, RaeShawn is an
active member of the International Public
Managers Association (IPMA) and the
Society of Human Resource Management.

www.ieci.org | March/April 2019 | Insights Magazine 33