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Megaprojects are reshaping local labor markets and creating intense competition for skilled workers. This session will explore how these large-scale projects impact workforce availability and offers practical strategies to stay competitive. You will learn how to prepare for and mitigate labor influences that impact both large-scale projects and their ongoing, smaller contracts.
Moderated by Dr. Anthony Perrenoud.
Electrical contractors constantly seek ways to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance workforce satisfaction. One emerging strategy is the 4×10 work schedule. This session will examine if this schedule can increase efficiency, improve worker retention, enhance safety, and reduce absenteeism. Practical considerations such as project suitability, workforce adaptability, and market segment applicability to help contractors evaluate if this approach is right for their business will also be discussed.
The Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) is ELECTRI International’s annual challenge for NECA Student Chapters. Student Chapter teams agree that the popular challenge is stimulating because it makes them focus on problem-solving by thinking in new, creative ways. This year’s student challenge focused on innovation and students’ creativity.
Each faculty advisor and student team worked with their local NECA chapter and contractors to deliver a proposal containing information they learned about the electrical contractor’s role when a projects delivery method is design build. Students were to put themselves in the position of an electrical contractor and performed various tasks related to the design of electrical systems in the project provided to them. Teams received a narrative, a basic set of architectural and structural drawings, and a Revit model with just architectural and structural links included. These materials and numerous training sessions held by ELECTRI, provided the foundation for the Student Chapter teams to design and virtually construct the most innovative electrical system to meet their customer’s needs.
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any electrical contracting business, yet many projects suffer from delayed payments and tight margins. This session will help you discover essential strategies for enhancing project-level cash flows and negotiating better payment terms to strengthen financial resilience in electrical construction projects. Insights into practical focus group findings on effective cash flow management and industry-specific negotiation techniques will also be discussed.
ELECTRI International offers a wide-range of resources beyond research reports including the Business Coaching program, Project Management Apprenticeship, Interactive Career Map and KPI Benchmarking. Learn how to access these resources, integrate them into your business, and connect with ELECTRI’s network. Whether you’re a contractor, chapter leader, or industry partner, this session will help you get the most out of the foundation and ensure you’re prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Moderated by Josh Bone.
Rework is one of the most costly and avoidable issues on electrical contracting projects, impacting budgets, schedules, and morale. This session will provide practical strategies to identify, manage, and reduce rework. The COMBAT strategy for guiding organizations in systematically improving rework outcomes and increasing profitability will also be discussed.