This month marks the one-year anniversary of the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship, and the graduation of its inaugural cohort of 22 apprentices.

In just 12 months, the program has enrolled more than 100 apprentices nationwide, partnered with more than 60 NECA contractors and expanded to more than 25 states. The apprenticeship program is supported by the Wesco Cares scholarship program by Pittsburgh-based Wesco International, a provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions.

“We are thrilled to support the NECA/ELECTRI apprenticeship program and witness the powerful impact of this innovative initiative, inspiring contractors to achieve more,” said Sean Grasby, Wesco’s senior vice president and general manager of construction and energy solutions.

“Our industry continues to face headwinds as the demand for skilled tradespeople accelerates,” Grasby said. “Investing in programs like this through Wesco Cares is just one way to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to hard-working tradespeople and play a role in empowering the future leaders of our industry as they tackle complex and demanding capital projects.”

The NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship represents one of the largest and fastest growing PM-focused registered apprenticeships in the country. “The Wesco Scholarship Program is making a tremendous impact on our industry by directly supporting the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship,” said Josh Bone, executive director of ELECTRI International. “This program is redefining how contractors attract and retain top talent.”

“Wesco’s investment ensures that contractors have a pipeline of future leaders prepared to take on the increasing scope, scale and complexity of modern projects,” Bone said. “This scholarship is not only helping today’s apprentices, but also strengthening the entire electrical contracting industry for years to come.”

Designed by NECA and ELECTRI for electrical contractors, the 12-month apprenticeship combines real-time coaching, on-the-job learning and modern online instruction to build practical skills without adding extra burden to a contractor’s team.

Contractors are provided a structured, customizable development plan aligned to their workflows. Their apprentices receive weekly coaching and instructional support, building real-world leadership skills as they earn a U.S. Department of Labor-recognized credential.

Briar Rightmeyer of Northline LLC, a graduate of Cohort 1 of the NECA/Electri International Project Management Apprenticeship program

The four quarters of the 12-month program each have a specific focus: foundations of electrical contractor project management; estimating, construction drawings and team readiness; project controls, data and procurement; and closeout, strategic thinking and final project.

The apprentices then complete a capstone simulating a full job life cycle— estimating, planning, managing and presenting outcomes to demonstrate applied skills. They also practice public speaking and strategic communication through monthly updates and final presentations to mentors and company leaders— showcasing personal growth and project mastery.

Apprentices meet weekly with a dedicated coach and participate in monthly mentor sessions to present progress, demonstrate skills and stay accountable. Moreover, monthly guest sessions by experienced professionals connect training content to real-world project challenges.

The program is designed for working professionals. Apprentices apply lessons directly on the job, building technical and business skills while contributing to active projects. Coaches and mentors reinforce learning with personalized guidance and goal-based check-ins.

To date, there are more than 10 cohorts. Additional cohorts are launched on a monthly cadence, with graduations happening on a rolling basis throughout the year.

One graduate from the first cohort, Daniel Harper of Primary Systems Inc., St. Louis, said that several program modules addressed topics that have directly contributed to improving his overall productivity and effectiveness.

“I feel these lessons have reinforced my day-to-day performance as a project manager, helping me stay more focused and efficient,” Harper said.