United States, September 14, 2025
News Summary
A U.S. Department of Labor–registered project management apprenticeship for the electrical construction industry has grown rapidly, enrolling more than 100 apprentices across 10+ cohorts. The program, operated with 60+ contractor partners in over 25 states, combines classroom instruction and on-the-job learning to prepare job-ready project managers for complex electrical projects. Scholarship support from the Wesco Cares workforce development initiative helped fund the first year and will continue as the program expands. A formal graduation will recognize graduates from the initial cohorts, with additional rolling graduations and employer engagement at industry events.
More than 100 apprentices set to graduate from project management apprenticeship next month
More than 100 apprentices in a national project management apprenticeship are scheduled to complete their programs next month, supported by a corporate scholarship fund that launched this year. The apprenticeship marks its one-year anniversary and has grown to include over 10 cohorts nationwide. The first formal graduation event is planned for October and will include 20 apprentices from the earliest cohorts.
What’s happening now
The apprenticeship that trains project managers for electrical contractors is nearing a milestone as graduates from multiple cohorts finish their training. The program is U.S. Department of Labor–registered and runs with more than 60 contractor partners across more than 25 states. New cohorts are started on a roughly monthly basis, and graduations occur on a rolling schedule throughout the year.
Support and partnerships
The scholarship program that helps fund these apprentices began in 2024 in partnership with the apprenticeship administrator. The scholarship is intended to strengthen workforce development as projects grow in scope and complexity. The funding organization says it plans to keep supporting the registered apprenticeship over coming years to help address persistent labor shortages and to encourage the next generation of business leaders in electrical construction.
Scale and reach
Program organizers describe the apprenticeship as one of the largest and fastest-growing of its kind in the country. There are currently more than 100 apprentices enrolled across more than 10 cohorts. The structure pairs on-the-job experience with formal project management training and brings together contractors, trainers, and suppliers to develop job-ready managers for construction projects.
Convention attendance and outreach
Company executives are scheduled to be on site at an industry convention in Chicago in mid-September to talk about the partnership and the scholarship program’s outcomes so far. The presence at the event is intended to highlight the apprenticeship’s growth and to discuss how formalized workforce training can help develop confident, job-ready project managers for increasingly complex capital projects.
How the apprenticeship works
- Registration: The program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Delivery: It is delivered in partnership with more than 60 contractor employers across more than 25 states.
- Cohorts: More than 10 cohorts are active, and new cohorts launch about once a month.
- Graduations: Graduations occur on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the first cohort ceremony scheduled in October for 20 apprentices.
Why it matters
The apprenticeship aims to change how electrical contractors recruit, grow, and keep project management talent. Organizers view the program as a response to long-standing labor shortages and as a way to create a pipeline of managers who understand both field operations and business needs. The training combines practical site experience with classroom and online instruction to prepare participants for leadership roles on construction projects.
Related workforce initiatives
In a related effort announced last year, the same company joined a Department of Defense program that allows service members to gain civilian work experience during their final months of military service. That initiative provides real-world training and helps transitioning service members explore opportunities in supply chain and operations roles such as warehouse management, order fulfillment, and inventory control. The company also supports veterans through an internal group and launched a veteran family scholarship in 2023.
Organizational facts
The organization behind the scholarship operates globally and provides products and services across several market segments, including electrical and electronic solutions, communications and security, and utility and broadband. It reported annual sales in the low tens of billions and employs roughly 20,000 people. The company operates hundreds of branches, warehouses, and offices in about 50 countries.
Next steps for interested parties
Employers interested in participating or sponsoring apprentices, and individuals who want to learn more about apprenticeship schedules and cohort launches, are directed to the apprenticeship administrator’s resources for sign-up and program details.
FAQ
What is the apprenticeship about?
The apprenticeship focuses on project management skills for electrical construction, combining on-the-job learning with structured classroom and online training.
How many apprentices are involved?
There are more than 100 apprentices across more than 10 cohorts, with new cohorts added roughly every month.
When are graduations held?
Graduations are on a rolling basis throughout the year. The first cohort ceremony is scheduled for October, featuring 20 apprentices from the first two cohorts.
Is the apprenticeship federally registered?
Yes, the program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Who supports the apprentices financially?
A corporate scholarship program launched in 2024 helps support apprentices financially to promote workforce development.
How widely does the program operate?
The program partners with more than 60 contractor employers across more than 25 states.
Is there related support for veterans?
The organization previously joined a Department of Defense transition program and runs veteran support initiatives, including scholarships and targeted hiring opportunities.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program type | U.S. Department of Labor–registered project management apprenticeship |
| Participants | More than 100 apprentices across 10+ cohorts |
| Geographic reach | Partnerships with 60+ contractors in 25+ states |
| Graduation timing | Rolling graduations; first formal graduation in October (20 apprentices) |
| Support | Scholarship program launched in 2024 to fund apprentices |
| Related programs | Participation in a Department of Defense transition program and veteran support initiatives |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- ECMWeb: Wesco’s scholarships support more than 100 apprentices through NECA/ELECTRI project management program
- Wikipedia: Apprenticeship
- CSRwire: Wesco joins DoD SkillBridge program
- Google Search: NECA ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship
- NECA: Project Management Apprenticeship (NECA/ELECTRI)
- Google Scholar: project management apprenticeship electrical construction
- Apprenticeship.gov: Find programs & resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apprenticeship
- Wesco Newsroom: Workforce development & scholarships
- Google News: NECA ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship
Author: Construction TX News
TEXAS STAFF WRITER The TEXAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructiontxnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Texas and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Texas Construction Expo, major infrastructure unveilings, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Texas Building Branch, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Austin Commercial and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
