Build Your Workforce

by Clara DeRosier, Executive Director

One of the strategic initiatives that was put forth by the Electrical Association back in 2016 regarded workforce development. The Committee that was formed has done an enormous amount of work towards this initiative already and being able to serve membership in a new way is incredible. One of the latest partnerships we've established is with a group of other associations that has the same goals as ours. At the annual business meeting, the Board of Directors agreed to financially support Project Build MN.

Project Build is currently made up of 13 organizations including Housing First MN, Minnesota Builders Exchange, Associated Builders & Contractors and The Builders Group to name a few. By all of these organizations joining forces, we can accomplish more together than as individuals. The Electrical Association will still develop the plans and resources that the Workforce Development Committee has begun with this partnership being another way for us to support the industry and ensure awareness is occurring around the construction careers.

Project Build MN currently has 3 committees. I will be sitting on their Marketing Committee, Michelle Dreier on the Outreach Committee and Jeff Keljik serving on the Education Committee. We will share ideas and learn from these other organizations.

As we all know, the demand for trade workers is at an all-time high. The time to build is now. At the Electrical Association, we are thinking about the skilled labor shortage every day and making connections to help you all succeed. Stay tuned for more on Project Build and take a look at their website: www.projectbuildmn.org

Also, with many of the connections that we have been making on your behalf, we receive resumes of individuals looking for work in the electrical industry! We compile these and send them out to our members on a regular basis. Please let us know if you would like further information on this initiative.