As the school year kicks off in Chicagoland, Powering Chicago is preparing to equip a new generation of electricians for the high-demand field of renewable energy. Their Registered Apprenticeship program at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) offers a compelling alternative to the traditional college route, providing five years of paid, intensive training. This program equips apprentices with the skills needed to secure well-paying union positions in the electrical construction industry, a field experiencing rapid growth due to the expansion of renewable energy projects.
Elbert Walters III, Executive Director of Powering Chicago, emphasizes the increasing demand for union electricians, particularly in the renewable energy sector. He highlights the program as a path to a rewarding and well-compensated career for young people who might not be drawn to the traditional college route.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in electrician employment between 2022 and 2032, exceeding the overall job growth rate. This surge is fueled by the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, with electricians playing a vital role in installing, maintaining, and repairing renewable energy systems and infrastructure.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that approximately 21% of the electricity generated in the U.S. in 2023 came from renewable sources. This trend is projected to continue, with the EIA forecasting that renewable energy will account for 44% of U.S. electricity generation by 2050.
Government incentives are also driving this growth. For example, Illinois recently launched a $4,000 rebate program for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, aiming to reach one million EVs on the road by 2030. This initiative will require the installation of approximately 30,000 additional charging stations, further boosting the demand for skilled electricians.
The CHIPS and Science Act, passed in August 2022, represents another significant driver of growth in the electrical sector. This $280 billion legislation aims to bolster the production of semiconductors and other critical technologies in the U.S., creating high-paying manufacturing jobs. The act’s focus on research, development, and manufacturing underscores the growing need for qualified electricians in the technology sector.
Powering Chicago’s apprenticeship program at IN-Tech provides comprehensive training for aspiring electricians. Over five years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job training, including approximately 300 hours of safety-specific instruction. The state-of-the-art facility includes a dedicated renewable energy training field, offering hands-on experience with systems covering wind, solar, electric vehicle charging, and battery storage.
Upon graduation, apprentices enter the electrical construction industry debt-free and receive job placement assistance. The starting annual salary for a Powering Chicago electrical construction journeyperson surpasses the estimated average salary for a college graduate in Chicago by a significant margin, making this program an attractive pathway to a successful career.
