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The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) recently expressed concerns in comments to the U.S. Department of Labor on proposed changes to U.S. apprenticeship programs. NECA is the leading sponsor of electrician apprenticeship programs nationwide, with more than 40,000 apprentices enrolled in nearly 300 local training programs. NECA and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) are partners in the program administered through the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Program.

"Like any other institution, it is good to review how apprenticeship operates and addresses the needs of the industry it serves," wrote Geary Higgins, vice president for labor relations, NECA, in the association's comments to DOL. "But change for [the sake of change alone] is equally problematic."

Of particular concern are some of the broad generalizations made in the proposed guidelines. One of the more contentious changes would be the adoption of a "competency-based" system that would allow apprentices to demonstrate aptitude based solely on classroom testing.

NECA's apprenticeship program requires both classroom and on-the-job training. NECA apprentices must demonstrate what they have learned through written tests and practical application, under less than perfect "laboratory" circumstances, on a real jobsite. This "field experience" means that NECA apprentices must also know the appropriate safety precautions and project management skills — not just a basic knowledge of the task at hand.

For these reasons, as well as concerns for jobsite and public safety, NECA opposes change allowing competency-based systems and interim credentials unless and until these arrangements can be held accountable to some objective industry-based standard.