Strengthening the Future of Electrical Trades: Collaboration, Education, and Innovation at IBEW 134 NECA Technical Institute

SMA had the privilege of engaging with current, former, and prospective students of the IBEW 134 NECA Technical Institute (IN Tech) outside Chicago, Illinois. The two-day event welcomed participants from all aspects of the industry—from union electricians with 30+ years of experience to high school students exploring the trade for the first time. Together, they explored the opportunities of the training center and discussed the future of the field with industry leading organizations. 

IN Tech opened its doors to manufacturers, suppliers, and developers, fostering a unique exchange of ideas and knowledge. SMA proudly contributed to this collaboration, discussing advancements in the agrivoltaics market and how colocation of solar technology on farms can improve efficiency and returns while reducing operational costs. The event underscored the importance of building strong relationships between educational institutions and industry leaders to prepare the next generation of electrical professionals. 

IBEW 134 NECA Technical Institute: A Hub for Innovation and Knowledge Exchange

This 25-acre training campus in Alsip, Illinois, has become a cornerstone for electrical education in the electrical industry. It serves as a regional hub where manufacturers and educators can collaborate to shape the future of the trade. By working with manufacturers like SMA, IN Tech can provide insights into industry trends and equip its students and professionals with vital tools to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.  

By working with the training center, manufacturers and installers can exchange best practices, reducing costly trial-and-error processes in the field and the classroom. The union training center facilitates real-time feedback for manufacturers, curriculum planning according to future developments, and updates for journeymen on the latest advancements in solar technology. This approach ensures students and professionals gain detailed, hands-on experience relevant to the current market. It also creates a robust talent pipeline that extends beyond installation into manufacturing and beyond, opening new career paths for aspiring electricians and solidifying IN Tech’s reputation as a leader in technical education.

SMA: Bridging Industry and Education 

At the heart of SMA’s participation in the event was a commitment to fostering growth in education. By providing residential and commercial inverters for training, SMA ensures students learn to work with current technologies used on real-world projects. This hands-on approach prepares them with immediately applicable skills, enhancing their marketability and enabling their companies to maximize product capabilities. 

SMA also emphasizes the importance of training for skills rather than abstract knowledge. The company’s trainers collaborate with its Application Engineering Team to create communication channels that deliver the best information to technicians in the field. Tools like Sunny Design, SMA’s free web-based solution for configuring solar systems, allow students and professionals to continue their learning independently. These practical tools empower participants to secure employment while still training and to apply their knowledge in innovative ways. 

Feedback gathered through these training sessions also informs SMA’s decision-making process. By listening to professionals in the field, SMA can refine its product designs, anticipate market trends, and fill gaps in its offerings, ensuring the company remains a leader in the electrical industry.

The Power of Collaboration: Building a Brighter Future 

The INTech event underscored the need for close collaboration between industry leaders and educational institutions. This partnership yields better-trained professionals with shorter learning curves, increased educational offerings, and heightened awareness of no-cost tools for ongoing development. 

By expanding skillsets and providing a broader understanding of innovative technologies, these efforts ensure students and professionals alike are well-equipped for success. The electrical trade continues to evolve, and the collaboration between institutions like IBEW 134 and companies like SMA is essential to driving that progress. Together, they are not just shaping the future of the industry—they are electrifying it.