Building Omaha Breaks Ground on New Electrical Training Center
Local nonprofit Building Omaha (buildingomaha.org) is doing their part to promote the union electrical construction industry and train people for high-tech, high-benefits, and high-paying jobs. On October 23, they broke ground on a brand new Electrical Training Center coming to 8960 L St. in Omaha. The new 24,000-square-foot addition to their current training center will put the campus over 56,000 square feet, and it’s in high demand as they currently have a waiting list of nearly 300 for their apprentice programs.
America will face a shortage of electricians in the near future, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The trade group says that 7,000 electricians join the field each year, but 10,000 retire. The BLS reports that employment of electricians is projected to grow 10% from 2018 to 2028—faster than the average for all occupations. Their findings also show that skilled trades like electricians once again top the latest list of the most difficult-to-fill job openings.
College is not for everyone and joining the skilled trades is a great way for people to earn while they learn, all tuition-free. Their current training building was built beginning in 2002 with no major upgrades since the grand opening. Just over 1,000 have graduated from the programs since the building was opened, so it’s time to modernize and update.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) works together with The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to provide their customers with the highest level of trained professionals in the electrical industry. Building Omaha (IBEW-NECA) was established through a collective bargaining agreement devoted to promoting the union electrical construction industry through advertising, publicity, continuing education, and a wide range of services to both the union and management members. For more information, visit buildingomaha.org.