Seattle union gives Guardsmen free electrical training p1 - Military Transition - Military Times EDGE

National Guardsmen in the Seattle area are getting free electrical training through a joint initiative the organizers would like to see used as a model for programs across the country.

Veterans in Construction Electrical gives veterans referred by employment transition coaches at Camp Murray, Wash., 12 weeks of advanced training and helps them land five-year apprenticeships. The program is organized by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 46, the National Electrical Contractors Association and the Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center.

Its first class graduated in November, and a second class is well on its way. Students receive food and a place to stay during the training, and start drawing wages when they are apprenticed.

IBEW Local 46 has shared the program with all the locals in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Hawaii, said its business rep, Brett Olson. His goal is to get it adopted nationwide.