The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Mike Leda, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 153, to highlight the remarkable growth and evolution of his local in South Bend, Ind. Representing about 1,400 members across Northern Indiana and parts of Michigan, IBEW Local 153 has seen surging interest in the electrical trades and a booming apprenticeship program.
Leda began by discussing the expansion of Local 153, fueled by increased construction projects, including massive Amazon data centers. Membership skyrocketed from 900 to 1,400 in just a few years, largely thanks to the increased demand for a skilled workforce. The Local responded by tripling the size of its apprenticeship program to more than 450 apprentices. With ongoing work in data centers and other sectors, Leda said the organization continues to attract both young people and career-changers interested in the electrical trade.
Leda highlighted a new challenge the younger generation has faced after entering an apprenticeship program: a lack of basic hand-tool experience due to the decline of shop classes in schools. To address this, Local 153 revamped its training curriculum to emphasize job and tool awareness before delving into advanced electrical skills. The program also beefed up safety training, ensuring that members, many of whom are new to construction, are appropriately prepared for the demanding environments on sprawling data center campuses. Leda said this shift not only addresses industry needs but also supports the goal of sending every worker home safely each day.
Workforce development received a boost through direct community outreach, especially at local high schools. Leda discussed how Local 153 donated tool gang boxes to John Glenn High School’s building trades program, helping students focus on learning rather than securing equipment. Active participation in job fairs and information sessions has encouraged parents and counselors to explore alternatives to college, fueling record-breaking interest in apprenticeships, he added. These efforts are also preparing the Local for a generational transition, as hundreds of experienced electricians are expected to retire over the next decade. By connecting with schools and streamlining entry into the trades, Local 153 ensures a vibrant future for its members and the communities it serves, Leda said.
For more from Leda, listen to the full episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.