Apr 23 2008
Advancements in solar power are moving rapidly. But through a unique labor-management-manufacturer partnership, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) are ensuring that the next generation of solar power workers is trained and ready to keep pace with progress. Their story is but one of the features in the latest edition of ElectricTV.net, a joint production of NECA-IBEW and the only online TV program dedicated to news and information from the electrical construction and information systems industries.
Capitalizing on its nationwide network of training centers, NECA and IBEW are providing journeymen with the experience required to install today's sophisticated photovoltaic (PV) systems. Says Francis Marcotte, president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of NECA, "Through the training we not only give our electricians new skill sets, but give us as an opportunity as contractors to put them to work." And thanks to a unique arrangement developed by IBEW/NECA's training arm, the NJATC, Sharp, a leading manufacturer of solar technology, gives IBEW members discounts on PV products, putting the solarization of their own homes well within reach.
Included in the seventh edition of ElectricTV.net is a discussion with financial analyst Chris Lissner of Acropolis Investment Management about the economic outlook for the electrical industry. Also spotlighted is how the clockwork coordination between NECA contractors and IBEW electrical workers brought Lake Tahoe, Nevada's water treatment facility from the analog to the digital age in record time. As always, the site offers links to articles of interest. Plus, viewers can subscribe to email alerts announcing the release of new editions. To view the Seventh Edition, visit http://www.ElectricTV.net.