Electrical Connection Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sylvester Taylor attended the kick off of President Biden’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative on Sept. 1, 2022. Taylor was one of several newly named Apprenticeship Ambassadors at the event. They are tasked with strengthening apprenticeship opportunities in underserved communities.  First Lady Jill Biden, Secretary Marty Walsh, and Secretary Gina Raimondo hosted a discussion at the White House with leaders of the initiative. First Lady Biden noted that “registered apprenticeships provide clear pathways to jobs that pay good wages. They allow students to earn while they learn. And they ensure businesses have skilled employees in industries that are struggling to find the right workers.”  Learn more about the program.

One of the first IBEW initiatives to the advance the Apprenticeship Ambassador objective locally will be an Early Graduate and Technical Education Career fair at Hazelwood Central High School on Nov. 14, 2022.  IBEW will join other trades and businesses in showcasing dynamic careers for students in the Hazelwood School District.  IBEW will have information on technology driven electrical and communications careers that have been the hallmark of the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center for more than 75 years.

Bayless High School kicked off the new school year with better classroom comfort… …and a little extra.  NECA contractor Schaeffer Electric teamed with Trane and MC Mechanical Services to make HVAC improvements to the south county high school and also donated $1,600 for schools supplies.