Independent Electrical Contractors

The Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. (IEC) is a national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors.^[1]

IEC has about 3,700 member companies in about 70 chapters throughout the USA,^[2]

History

Founded in 1957 as the Associated Independent Electrical Contractors of America, the primary goal of the group was to consider and deal by all lawful means with common problems of management, distribution, employment, and financial functions of the electrical construction industry; to foster cooperative action in advancing the common purposes of its members; and promote activities that enable the industry to be conducted with the greatest economy and efficiency.

The association's first offices were located in Texas and, in 1962, IEC was granted a certificate of incorporation. IEC convinced the U.S. Department of Labor to adopt national pattern standards of Apprenticeship and Training. And for the first time, registered apprenticeship was recognized across the country for those adopting the "Open Shop" philosophy.

In subsequent years, IEC has grown into a 50-chapter association, representing over 3,300 members and nearly 90,000 electrical workers. IEC has expanded its alliance to include over 10,000 apprentices who are currently in the process of learning to become prominent and productive electricians.

Education and Training

IEC provides workforce training for apprentices, journeymen, and foremen, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Training takes place in more than 50 IEC chapter training centers nationwide and is conducted in accordance with the requirements established by the U.S. Department of Labor and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Graduates of IEC's apprenticeship program are recommended by the American Council of Education to receive up to 40 college credits.^[3] IEC chapters across the nation offer a variety of continuing education courses for professional contractors, including the Certified Professional Electrician Credential.^[4]

IEC Foundation

Founded in 1996, the Independent Electrical Contractors Foundation’s (IECF) mission is to fund, promote, and support educational opportunities in the electrical and communications industries. As a responsible partner and stakeholder in the electrical industry, the IECF is dedicated to improving the profession and the quality of life in our communities.^[5] The IECF has provided over $5 million in cash and equipment to IEC training centers across the country, giving apprentices the opportunity to have a quality education and become the electricians and technicians of tomorrow.

OSHA Alliance

IEC strives to be a leader in safety in the electrical contracting industry and this effort has been lauded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through an Alliance partnership.^[6] Through the Alliance, IEC and OSHA work together to provide members and other industry leaders with valuable information and access to training resources that will help protect employees' health and safety, with the main goal of reducing and preventing exposure to fall and arc flash hazards, which are major areas of concern in the electrical contracting industry.

References