NJATC Executive Director Mike Callanan Reviews the NECA 2010 Boston Brochure

Did you get a chance to pick up your NECA 2010 Boston brochure yet? I was quickly sorting through my daily mail last week when I came across the NECA 2010 Convention brochure. Wow, was I impressed! I know what you’re thinking: Ok, so I admit, I am a training guy, and it really doesn’t take a lot to impress me. But quite honestly, there is some pretty good stuff going on in Boston, October 2-5.

The first thing that jumped out at me was on page 3, “Opportunities in Education.” Today, it’s crystal-clear that what separates the NECA/IBEW team is our commitment to education. I speak of education on a broader spectrum, ranging from apprentice training and journeyman upgrade programs to contractor business development opportunities. NECA 2010 has it all. From energy audit programs for contractors looking to add a new service to their customer service portfolio to the latest on building automation and control technology, there is an education program scheduled to meet your need!

You know something else that caught my attention paging through the brochure? Full page adds by NECA Premier Partners — Westex Inc, Milwaukee Electric Tool and Graybar. I am so proud that Westex Inc and Milwaukee are also NJATC Platinum Level Training Partners. How important has the addition of these industry Training Partners been to NECA and the IBEW? I can tell you first-hand that over the course of the past five years our industry training partners have helped to change the face of our JATC and AJATC training centers.

Most importantly, because of their commitment to NECA and the IBEW, we have dramatically improved the curriculum and hands-on training opportunities for our apprentices and journeymen. Please make certain to stop by and thank them when you visit them on the NECA Show floor!

Did I mention the educational opportunities at NECA 2010? Okay, but I forgot to tell you that what really impressed me in the NECA 2010 brochure was the information on the Pre-Convention Workshops. I admit my bias, but over the course of the past three years, the NJATC has been working very closely with the NECA Convention team to develop the Pre-Convention Workshops and promote our outstanding pool of Training Partners. I am especially excited that Palmer Hickman, NJATC Director of Codes & Standards, will be teaming up with Jerry Rivera, NECA Director of Safety, to give pre-convention workshop attendees a first look at the proposed changes to NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

Speaking of changes, did you know that by the time curtain comes up on NECA 2010 Boston, the 2011 National Electrical Code will be published? Do you know what changes are in store for the NEC? Don’t worry Mike Johnston, NECA Director of Codes & Standards and Jim Dollard, IBEW LU 98 Safety Coordinator will be conducting a Pre-Convention Workshop designed to bring you up to speed on the changes in a couple of hours.
I could go on and on, but I think you see where I am going with this. I was impressed and rightly so. The Pre-Convention Workshop lineup is outstanding. In fact, I believe it’s the finest group of pre-convention classes and programs that NECA has ever been assembled. I know what you’re thinking again, “Yeah, but Mike’s a training guy…” You’re right, but I encourage you to do what I did and thumb through the complete listing of pre-convention workshops.

You say you’re from the outside industry? Not a problem, NECA 2010 Boston is making a special effort to meet the needs of the outside line construction industry. How about a Pre-Convention Workshop on the latest in blended learning for our outside apprentices? Did you know our outside apprentices are utilizing computers to learn their trade through a blended, distance–learning model? Or perhaps outside safety is your interest. Several Pre-Convention Workshops address the importance of safety training for our members and contractors in the outside industry.

Ok, one last time, know what you are thinking: “He hasn’t said a word about the social program and networking opportunities.” You’re correct. I am a training guy but, I must admit, I love the Beatles! I’ll see you at the Closing Celebration!