The Interim Credentials Course allows high school seniors the ability to take the first year of the apprenticeship curriculum. If they meet all requirements, they can apply to start the apprenticeship post high school graduation. The following IC students have been accepted into the IBEW/NECA Electrical apprenticeship. They will be working full-time for a union electrical contractor.

In the heart of Cincinnati, where the pulse of industry meets the promise of education, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Center stands as a beacon of opportunity. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) is not only a cornerstone for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 212 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) apprenticeship, but also a transformative force in the lives of young people through its innovative outreach program.

The Interim Credentials program is a unique offering developed by the Electrical Training Alliance for high school seniors that intertwines academic growth with a practical introduction to the unionized electrical industry. Approved by the Ohio Department of Education, this program gives students the ability to complete the first year of the IBEW electrical apprenticeship instruction combined with hands-on labs while in high school. Completion of this program provides a 12 point industry credential towards graduation requirements. This program is a pathway into a promising future, offering an early glimpse into the world of being an electrician.

The collaboration between the Electrical Training Center with the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio and The Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati has further amplified the impact of the Interim Credentials program. With the support of an ARPA grant from the Hamilton County Commissioners, the program has successfully expanded its capacity, ensuring that even more students can benefit from this life-altering opportunity.

As the 2025/26 cohort kicks off, 54 enthusiastic seniors from nine Hamilton County high schools embark on this journey. They attend classes two days a week, immersing themselves in computer-mediated learning modules and hands-on labs.

The Interim Credentials program is not merely an educational endeavor; it is a launchpad into a rewarding in demand career path . Upon completion, students have the opportunity to apply for the full apprenticeship program, where they can secure advanced standing in the classroom and gain full-time employment with one of the union's 45 signatory NECA contractors. With starting wages and benefits at $26 an hour, these young apprentices step into a world where hard work is met with fair compensation and respect.

Reflecting on the success of the previous cohort, the numbers are impressive: 51 students began the program, and 40 completed it. Out of those, 24 applied for the electrical apprenticeship, with 22 receiving the offer and 20 accepted. 

This remarkable outcome speaks volumes about the enthusiasm and commitment of both the students and the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Center. Most importantly, all 20 graduates are not only still employed but also thriving on the job and in their apprenticeship classes.

The financial commitment from the NECA contractors is staggering. Based on the union negotiated contract, these 20 new apprentices combined will receive over $1 million in wages and benefits for the first year alone. 

As the program thrives, it continues to embody the spirit of workforce development at its finest. By empowering young individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Center is not just shaping careers; it’s transforming lives, ensuring a brighter future for the entire community. In a world where potential often goes untapped, this program shines as a model of what can be achieved when partnerships of community, leaders, education, labor, and management work hand in hand.

OUR PARTNERING SCHOOLS :

2024/2025 -   Elder Hs, Gamble Montessori Hs, Hughes Hs, La Salle Hs, Taylor Hs, Western Hills Hs, Woodward CTE Center

2025/2026 -  Elder Hs, Gamble Montessori Hs, Hughes Hs, La Salle Hs, Oyler Hs, Purcell Marian Hs, School for the creative and performing arts, Taylor Hs, Western Hills Hs, Woodward CTE Center

The IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Center is building the workforce for the future of our industry through our inside electrician and telecommunications apprenticeships. The program is a true “earn while you learn” opportunity that leverages relationships with over 50 signatory NECA electrical contractors to provide classroom trade-related training, job placement, associate’s degree programs through Northwest State Community College, and continuing education through journeyman/auxiliary classes. 

To help students get a jump on their career path, we also offer the Interim Credentials program. It is a comprehensive five-course curriculum that offers high school seniors the opportunity to earn an industry credential certification for their graduation requirements and allows them to enter the electrical apprenticeship with advanced standing. This program is the result of over 80 years of curriculum development and work experience within the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry. Program information 

The IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Center is sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 212 and the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).  

Contact: Chris Fridel cfridel@electricaltc.org