The IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Alliance (ETA) and other trade worker training organizations are getting a boost of support with an additional $50 million investment from Google.org, the philanthropic division of Google. The funding to upskill more than 300,000 American tradespeople will go to 14 labor unions and four trade and contractor associations, according to Google’s blog.

“The skilled trades have always been the backbone of the American economy, and as technology evolves, so do the incredible opportunities for these essential workers,” said Maggie Johnson, global head of Google.org. “We are incredibly proud to back the organizations leading this charge, ensuring the next generation of builders is equipped with the advanced tools they need to shape our country’s future.”

For the ETA, the additional investment builds on funding that Google has already provided to help train tens of thousands of electrical workers. The new funding

will assist local ETA training programs by bringing additional resources directly to high-demand infrastructure hubs through an innovative mobile training center pilot.

“Our work with Google is ultimately about communities as a whole, the people in them, and opportunity. Together, we are helping individuals access career pathways that provide world-class training, financial stability, quality benefits and long-term growth,” said Todd Stafford, ETA’s executive director. “Through Google's commitment to workforce development and our shared investment in expanding awareness of and access to careers in the IBEW-NECA electrical industry, we are creating opportunities that strengthen workers, support families and build a brighter future for communities across the country.”

Other key elements of the expanded rollout include:

• Construction pre-apprentices: TradesFutures, an organization created by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and its industry partners, will increase access to union construction careers. They will do this by scaling placement from apprenticeship readiness programs into registered apprenticeships across the country and integrating artificial intelligence (A.I.) operational tools to improve graduate placement.
• Plumbers, pipefitters, welders and service techs: The United Association's International Training Fund, which operates in partnership with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, will develop a five-year roadmap for scaling the plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration sectors, helping prepare people with the skills to build, maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure.
• Sheet metal workers: Backed by Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors, the International Training Institute for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Industry will address a critical shortage by modernizing its coursework and apprentice support while implementing new A.I. tools.

“This initiative builds on Google's long-standing commitment to training Americans for high-impact careers that create lasting opportunities for their families and communities,” Johnson said.