ST. LOUIS — High schools students from both side of the river have a better understanding of careers in energy fields following a presentation by the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection for the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), Southeast Missouri-Southern Illinois Chapter. The Oct. 16, 2015 presentation for the AABE-sponsored Black Energy Awareness Month (BEAM) event at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis drew more than 120 students and professionals. The Black Energy Awareness Month program included a cooperative of educational enrichment presenters to prepare minority and under-represented students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Electrical Connection Executive Vice President Jim Curran was joined by IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center Apprenticeship Director Dennis Gralike in motivating students to consider careers in the electrical industry. They noted how IBEW/NECA consistently adapts to ever more complex electrical needs to power businesses, homes, manufacturing facilities, healthcare and all the essentials of life. They also educated students in all types of energy that rely on the electrical industry including traditional power plants, nuclear facilities and renewable energy such as solar, wind, geothermal and other energy conservation technologies.

“One of the interesting things students noticed was how many of our fellow presenters were major employers that IBEW/NECA has served for decades,” said Curran. “That included representatives from Ameren, Monsanto and Alcoa.”

The IBEW/NECA presentation tied careers in the electrical industry to maintaining good grades in STEM subjects — science, technology, engineering and math. Gralike detailed the “earn while you learn” opportunities at the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training which for more than 70 years has been the prime supplier of skilled and safe electricians and communication technicians in Missouri. With 18 certified instructors, it trains 850 electricians and communication technicians annually, including 250 apprentices and more than 600 journey workers who participate in 50 night school courses. The apprenticeship program requires completion of 10,000 hours of training in a five-year program. Apprentices complete 960 hours of classroom training and qualify for up to 55 college credits at several area colleges upon completion of the rigorous program.

Information was also provided on IBEW/NECA training programs that serve the Metro East.

Founded in 1977, AABE is a national association of energy professionals dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities in the discussions and developments of energy policies, regulations, research and development technologies and environmental issues.

The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.