Across the country, NECA JATCs and apprentices are working hard to create a “winning business plan”. The competition, sponsored by ELECTRI International and the National Electrical Contractors Association, is designed to give apprentices a taste of what it would be like to start their own business and to develop new signatory contractors who will, in turn, employ future apprentices.

Rick Mason, Training Director with Flint and Saginaw Electrical JATC, is very enthusiastic about a project involving electrical apprentices. “This is a great opportunity for apprentices to learn about the contracting side of the electrical construction industry. The knowledge they gain through this experience will improve communication among apprentices and contractors.”

Each apprentice team will submit a comprehensive Business Plan. Team members are expected and encouraged to gain input and feedback on their proposal from NECA contractors, vendors, materials suppliers, and JATC Faculty and Training Directors. Each qualifying team must show proof that the business plan has been reviewed with at least three local NECA contractors.

After selection by a jury of industry leaders, the top three apprenticeship teams will receive financial awards for their business proposals and will have the opportunity to present their work in person at a 2021 ELECTRI International meeting.

Interested apprentices and NECA Chapters offering their support can get full details and rules of the competition here or by reviewing the video presentation from a recent vNTI webinar.