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January 31, 2024IBEW Recruits and Educates at Capital Region BOCES
A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) met with students at Capital Region BOCES on Monday to recruit members to apprenticeships with his union.
William Bulger, Recording Secretary for the IBEW Local 236, spoke about the benefits of training and working with the union and how electrical workers are in demand.
“I am offering you a trade and a career, not a job. This is something that no one can take away from you,” he told approximately two dozen Capital Region BOCES students.
Bulger said the local launches a training session each year with up to 60 apprentices enrolled depending on job outlook and demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 9% increase nationally in the electrical trades workforce by 2031. With the median U.S. Salary for electricians at $60,040 in 2021, the career offers workers a comfortable living and financial security.
For union members, benefits such as retirement and healthcare dramatically increase the comfort of the career, Bulger told the aspiring electricians.
Located on the Albany and Schoharie Career & Technical Education Center campuses, the Electrical Trades program teaches students the fundamental skills in electrical theory through classroom instruction and hands-on shop lessons. Through this training they can become successful residential, commercial and industrial wiring professionals.
For more information on the Electrical Trades program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/career-technical-education/courses-programs/electrical-trades/ .
