June 4, 2024 – South of the border, several prominent electrical industry associations signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) “that recognizes the necessity of a collaborative approach to address the challenges and opportunities of their respective but interconnected industries”.

Those associations are National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED), and National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA).

“This collaboration between four major representatives of the electrical industry is a powerful testament to our shared vision for a robust, sustainable future for the electrical trade,” said NECA CEO David Long.

“By joining forces, we are not only enhancing our capability to meet the growing demands of an all-electric economy, but also ensuring that we can effectively develop and deploy the skilled workforce needed to drive innovation and excellence across our sectors,” Long added.

Developing the skilled workforce required to manufacture, distribute, and install electrical products will require training, recruitment, and retention—plus a strong domestic manufacturing supply chain—say the partners, which is why the MOU is accompanied by an annual Work Plan that, in 2024, will focus on issues related to developing the electrical industry workforce.

“This is a pivotal time for electrical manufacturers, as AI, EVs, and emerging renewable technologies fuel increasing demand for the electrical equipment NEMA members make,” said Debra Phillips, president & CEO, NEMA. “A modern workforce is vital if we are to meet the needs of this future energy system.”