Support Career & Technical Education through Interactions

Submitted by Michelle Dreier, Director of Member Engagement & Government Affairs

The Electrical Association has represented the industry at several Career and Technical Education conferences this year, which is paying dividends in invitations to talk to students at the high school level. What we have learned is that not all school districts are equal in the time they spend talking about Career Preparation versus College Preparation. Also, not all schools have the resources to put toward preparing students for the construction trades. 

Additionally many students are woefully unaware of apprenticeship as a model of education, even the students that have a strong desire to join the construction industry. There also seems to be an overwhelming concept that heading to the union hall is the way to go about being an electrician, totally bypassing the majority of electrician careers at merit shops. Class by class, career fair by career fair the Electrical Association is looking to change that. You can join in that initiative. 

Last month Electrical Association visited Blaine, Buffalo, and Rosemount to talk to students. Spring Lake Park, Cambridge, and Coon Rapids are on deck. Let us know if you talk to career exploration programs in your neighborhood. We have career exploration materials on hand to facilitate those discussions, including current wage information, hands on activities and pathways documents. If you want to participate, but can’t find the time, check out our new sponsorship opportunities (members only)! It is a way to get your shop brand in front of students while not having to divert your time from your current project.

We are here to help, but we are also an excellent resource to partner with. Whether you are all in on supporting career exploration, or you want to be a team player please reach out and work with us! Email me at mdreier@electricalassociation.com. 

Have you been to our career center lately? We have some new tech school graduates listed on our resume page (members only). 

Join the Electrical Association to take advantage of these programs! Learn more