Jim Fellows, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 725, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the role classroom education plays in the Local’s registered apprenticeship program.
Local 725 represents about 1,200 IBEW electricians and electrical workers in nine counties in Indiana and six counties in Illinois.
Fellows discussed some of the courses apprentices take during their time in the Local JATC’s five-year registered apprenticeship program. The classroom work is critical to understanding the theory and science of the industry and helps keep apprentices safe.
The Local has been successful in organizing in non-union electricians he said, adding that one of the keys to organizing in the Local 725 jurisdiction is job security.
Between recruiting apprentices and organizing non-union electricians, the Local has been able to create a diverse membership.
Fellows also spoke about renewable energy and how this sector is creating plentiful work opportunities for IBEW members.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics: