- New strategic collaboration will help ensure that the next generation of America’s electrical workers is trained and equipped -
Today 3M announced a multi-year strategic collaboration with National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) to train the next generation of electrical workers.
Over the years, 3M has worked informally with the NJATC and various local JATCs to promote industry standards, develop curriculum and training materials and to make product available for use at local training programs. This expanded relationship will build upon this strategic collaboration, to train and equip the next generation of America’s electrical workers with state-of-the-art curriculum. Over the next five years, 3M will work closely with the NJATC to:
- develop online curriculum
- donate equipment and training materials
- establish a 3M scholarship for continuing education of instructors through NJATC’s National Training Institute.
More immediately, NJATC and 3M will work together to develop “Online Jobsite Application Examples” to train all new International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) entrants into the electrical industry. This is in line with NJATC’s move to transitioning to a modern “blended learning” training model that adds a dynamic, on-line training component to the traditional mix of book learning, classroom and lab experience. This powerful new tool adds self-paced, interactive simulations and virtual exercises that efficiently prepare students for hands-on lab work and subsequent on-the-job-training (OJT) productivity.
The 3M Online Jobsite Application Examples will become mandatory for all NJATC/IBEW/NECA apprentices, as well as all persons who receive training under the umbrella of the IBEW Construction Wireman (CW) and Construction Electrician (CE) classifications.
“The IBEW, NECA and the NJATC are proud to work with a company like 3M, a leader in quality manufacturing who works closely with our organizations to develop and maintain a skilled workforce,” said Michael Callanan, NJATC executive director. “Collaboratively, we will develop online interactive training material which will help to create a domestic workforce of the most highly skilled electrical workers in the industry. This material will be critical in training the next generation of the organized electrical industry.”
3M leadership in the electrical industry was cemented with the invention of vinyl electrical tape more than 60 years ago. Scotch® Super 33+™ Vinyl Electrical Tape from 3M is preferred by electricians for its unmatched adhesive, elastic and temperature-resistant properties. Additional innovations from 3M in the electrical industry include cold shrink technology for reliable environmental seals for splices and terminations and a full portfolio of solutions for low, medium and high-voltage applications. High-voltage innovations include the high-capacity 3M Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) that enables utilities to upgrade their overhead transmission lines without carving out new rights of way and building new infrastructure.
“Organizations like NJATC are essential to maintaining the skilled workforce necessary to maintain and advance our electrical infrastructure,” said Paul Steece, 3M Electrical Markets Division vice president and general manager. “We are proud to work with them to help standardize and formalize a state-of-the-art curriculum that ensures that the next generation of America’s electrical workers is properly trained and equipped.”
The first training modules are expected to roll out in the fall of 2012. Starting in 2013, approximately 6,000 construction wiremen and electricians per year are expected to have completed the 3M Online Jobsite Application training modules.
About 3M Electrical Markets Division
The 3M Electrical Markets Division, based in Austin, Texas, designs, manufactures and markets products for electrical construction, industrial maintenance, utility and industrial power, and electrical equipment manufacturers. EMD has more than 60 years of experience serving customers with highly reliable products, including electrical insulating and conductive tapes; flexible insulation; power cable splices and terminations; high temperature, low-sag transmission conductors; heat shrinkable tubing and molded shapes; electrical wire connectors, terminals, tools and lugs; wire marking products; portable labeling devices; cable ties; and electrical diagnostic and detection products.
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. More information about 3M Company is available online.
About the NJATC
The NJATC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1941 by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The organization is committed to developing and standardizing education in the electrical industry to properly and effectively train members of NECA and the IBEW; providing the electrical construction industry with the most highly trained and skilled workforce possible. Since its inception, more than 325,000 apprentices have completed NJATC training programs and become competent Journeymen, making the organization one of the largest training and apprenticeship programs of its kind. For more information, go to www.njatc.org/.
About National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org/.
About The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
The IBEW is an international labor organization that has trained the most qualified electricians in the trade for more than 117 years. With approximately 725,000 members in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Republic of Panama, the IBEW has members in construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government. For more information, visit www.ibew.org/
3M, Scotch and Super 33+ are trademarks of 3M Company.
All other trademarks listed herein are owned by their respective companies.
3MJane Kovacs, 512-984-6747jkovacs@mmm.comFor all other inquiries:http://www.3m.com/MediaContact
