ST. LOUIS -- Smart infrastructure, including smart roads, and innovations in energy storage and micro grid technology are coming to Missouri, but will the state have the skilled workforce needed to build it?  Electrical Connection representatives give a resounding yes at this year's Midwest Energy Policy Series (MEPS) presented by the Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI). The Electrical Connection represents a partnership that develops and trains the vast majority of highly skilled electricians and communication technicians that serve the state’s technology and energy needs.  The day-long MEPS conference was held on Dec. 5, 2018 at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 hall and training center. 

The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association.  The partnership has guided the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center in St. Louis in the development of a national curriculum for fixed electrical vehicle charging stations. Working with OEMs, training center staff developed the first-ever Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) launched in 2011 and now the standard for supporting EV infrastructure.

The training center is also engaging apprentices in training for energy storage and micro grid certification.  IBEW/NECA invests more than $3 million annually in training.  For more than 75 years, its training has been free of charge and at no taxpayer expense and allows apprentices to earn a living with benefits while they take the 78-course curriculum at the training center. It also offers continuing education for journey workers.

 The Missouri Energy Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association of public and private-sector entities working together to increase energy economic development, innovation, and education throughout the state. MEI serves as an independent public policy group on emerging energy issues and focuses on being a trusted source of energy information for Missouri and the Midwest. The organization encourages creative collaborations and promotes affordable, reliable and sustainable energy efforts. For more information, visit www.moenergy.org

For more than 100 years, the Electrical Connection IBEW/NECA has been the “go to” resource for safe and reliable electrical and communications construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.