Boston – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Greater Boston recently unveiled a new Joint Apprentice Training Center (JATC) following a $10 million renovation. The upgraded facility features state-of-the-art technology and expanded classrooms.
“No one else trains apprentices like Local 103 IBEW does — no one has a $10 million annual training budget, three full-time administrators, 13 full-time teachers, 25 part-time teachers, and trains apprentices on the job for over 10,000 hours while providing 6000 electricians with annual licensing updates,” said Local 103 IBEW business manager and financial secretary, Lou Antonellis. “The Local 103 IBEW has brought apprenticeship training to levels never imagined. It will churn out a new generation of electrical workers, ready to take their place in the expanding clean energy sector.”
IBEW instructor and apprentices make use of one of the classrooms at the newly upgraded JATC.
Community members, local elected leaders, contractors, and union members toured the training center, witnessed electrical demonstrations, met with instructors and current apprentices, and learned about the apprenticeship program during the event.
“As many of you know, we’ve been actively applying for grants within our municipality, the Commonwealth, and our federal partners to support our growing and expanding workforce, particularly in the clean energy space. These changes will increase efficiency, engagement, and increase education. They’re always positive and we are confident that these changes will play a pivotal role in our relentless pursuit of excellence in the industry,” said Kristen Gowin, executive manager, NECA Greater Boston.
In addition to its nearly 2,000 existing apprenticeships, the new center will also launch a Clean Energy Pre-Apprenticeship Program to bring more young people into the trade and create more good, union jobs in the clean energy sector. The JATC also announced it was improving the apprenticeship application process through a more inclusive approach that reduces barriers to entry.
“We were able to secure nearly $4 million in the FY24 budget to support what we know is a proven model to train and prepare our talent that is a part of our workforce and to provide meaningful pathways, livable wages, and secure benefits,” said Lauren E. Jones, secretary of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
