In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Anna Jochim, Director Future Workforce Development at Wesco and ELECTRI, and Nelson Squires, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Electrical & Electronic Solutions, gets into one of the most pressing issues facing the electrical construction industry: workforce development. With the electrical industry rapidly evolving due to increased electrification, data center expansion, and green energy demands, the conversation zeroes in on the urgent need to cultivate skilled talent through structured, scalable programs.

Anna introduces the groundbreaking Project Management Apprenticeship Program, a first-of-its-kind office-based apprenticeship designed to provide real-world, structured training for future project managers. Nelson shares Wesco’s commitment to supporting this initiative through scholarships and industry partnerships, emphasizing that talent development is critical to meeting future demand. Together, they paint a compelling vision for the future of electrical construction and how mentorship, innovation, and strategic investment are key to solving the labor shortage.

Key Takeaways

Electrification is exploding, creating urgent demand for skilled electrical.
The Project Management Apprenticeship is a new structured path for training office-based leaders in the industry.
Wesco is investing in workforce development, offering scholarships and mentoring programs via Wesco Cares.
There’s a projected 14% workforce decline by 2030.
Apprenticeship now extends to office roles, focusing on leadership, field-to-office transition, and structured learning.
Mentorship is symbiotic, helping capture legacy knowledge .
The industry must evolve to attract the next-gen workforce.
Solving the labor crisis benefits the entire industry ecosystem.

Timestamps

[00:30] - Introduction

[02:27] - Anna introduces Electri and its mission

[05:46] - Nelson’s background and Wesco’s role in electrification

[07:55] - Projects Wesco supports: data centers, battery plants, hospitals

[14:06] - Why Electri created the PM Apprenticeship Program

[17:08] - Alarming labor stats: shrinking workforce, rising demand

[25:05] - Addressing misconceptions about office apprenticeships

[32:56] - Capturing mentor wisdom through documentation and shared learning

[37:36] - Final thoughts: where the program is headed and how to get involved

[40:45] - Outro and call to action

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