Contact
NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center
16021 NE Airport Way
Portland, OR 97230
503-262-9991
Fax: 503-262-9920
Orientation Video
Training Center Addition
Growth of the electrical industry in the NW has had an incredible impact in all things electrical, everything from the technology of using iPads to read building drawings and GPS for outlet location layout to growth of the apprenticeship program, tipping the scale at the 1000 student mark. All of this impact has created struggles as well, one in particular being square footage. The current Training Center footprint takes up just over 54,000 square feet providing 17 classrooms and 3 large labs. Many of the classrooms are designed for specific topics such as Fire Alarm, Motor Controls, PLC’s, Instrumentation, 3D Modeling, Building Automation, Copper and Fiber Networking, Security and Access Control, leaving just a few left for random topics of almost anything electrical.
This presents a conflict when the need arises for meeting spaces, aptitude testing, applicant interviews, Continued Ed classes and other industry-related functions. We have recently had to say “No” to requests to use our space, but that will soon change.
Our NIETC has employed the expertise of Schommer & Sons Inc., to assist us in adding approximately 8500 sq. feet of additional building space, providing 3 new classrooms, an additional multi-use lab, and additional men, women and gender neutral restrooms.
The addition will also add required landscape areas, an outdoor picnic shelter and sidewalk, and access improvements.
We look forward to a ribbon cutting ceremony some time in April 2020 so stay tuned.
Industrial Athlete
We are industrial athletes. We make our living performing physically and mentally demanding work that requires skill, strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance…just like athletes. Unfortunately, many construction workers do not think of themselves as industrial athletes and instead choose poor habits that promote an unhealthy lifestyle.
It’s no secret that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Industrial Athlete program puts focus on physical health and nutritional health. The construction industry is partnering with the American Heart Association to create a cultural change within our industry so we may live long, healthy lives and enjoy retirement.
Physical Health
- Blood pressure management. Many people have a form of high blood pressure and don’t know it. When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?
- Improving physical activity. While our work is tiring, it doesn’t provide the cardio workout our heart needs to stay healthy.
Nutritional Health
- Reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and energy drinks which contribute to high blood pressure.
- Our industry is working with food truck vendors to increase availability of healthy foods and beverages. More workers are wanting choices for quick, healthy meals.
Let’s not forget about mental health – the pathway to physical and nutritional health
Got stress? The American Medical Association reported studies showing stress as the underlying cause of 60% of all illness and disease making stress the number one proxy killer.
Stress affects the entire body and can cause health problems such as insomnia, asthma, ulcers, nervousness, paranoia, or depression.
The Centers for Disease Control reported that male construction workers have the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. In a male-dominated “tough guy” industry, workers with mental health issues are often overlooked or fail to seek help. Fatigue and work pressure are known to be contributing factors. We can learn to recognize the signs of stress before they develop into depressive thoughts. Look for changes in appetite, unexplained joint pain, tight chest, anxiety, loss of motivation, increased smoking or drinking, withdrawal or aggression, or difficulty concentrating.
Resources for Wellness:
- Harrison Health and Welfare (Health Plans, Flex Benefits, Retirement)
- Harrison Trust EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
- 211 (Dial Toll Free) for Oregon and Southwest Washington communities to help people identify, navigate, and connect with the local resources they may need
2018 Western States Electrical Contest
The Western States Electrical Contest was hosted in Portland this year for the first time since 2006. The contest included 7 components of an electrician’s skill, including the following written tests
- A comprehensive written exam, which is a random test based on the first four years of the national Inside Wireman curriculum.
- Material Identification – a written test where contestants may view but not touch 30 items selected by the host and must identify them as if they were placing a purchase order.
- Motor Control Logic Drawing – contestants must create a ladder logic diagram from a set of written instructions and an included material list.
The hands-on events included:
- Residential Wiring
- Motor Control Wiring
- Conduit Bending – ½” EMT
- Conduit Bending – ¾” EMT
There were 20 participants in the 2018 contest, coming from Nevada, California, Utah, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Contestants are selected by each participating JATC from their annual graduating class and gather to represent their respective local unions and NECA chapters.
Portland was proud to offer up Ethan Rinier as the representative for the host JATC and was not disappointed. Ethan demonstrated his skills throughout the day, keeping calm and feeling good about the various events. His experience as an outstanding apprentice paid off as he applied his rigorous study habits and knowledge taking first place in the Written Exam event. He continued to impress throughout the day, also taking first place in the Residential Wiring event as well as the ½” Conduit challenge. Ethan had a varied experience as an apprentice, working for the coastal shop of Cannon Beach Electric as well as a stint at Intel with OEG and Rosendin, and wrapping up his apprenticeship working for Stoner Electric in service, where he continues today.
The awards banquet featured a few remarks from LU 48 Business manager Gary Young and Christensen Vice President of Operations, Sonja Rheaume, followed by keynote Speaker Todd Stafford, Executive Director of the Electrical Training ALLIANCE. Awards were presented as each contestant was given a Milwaukee 18V drill/driver kit, gift cards, meters and contest swag from contest sponsors Platt Electric, Milwaukee Tool and, of course, the NIETC.
As final awards were given, Lee Bowman, Trade Specialist, and Edgar Aponte, President of Platt Electric, addressed the group to recognize the excellent performance of each and every contestant.
All combined, Portland contestant Ethan applied his vast experience to wrap up the ceremonies with a First Place overall finish in addition to his three individual event wins. First, Second and Third place, as well as individual event winners, received prize money for their accomplishments. The First place winning JATC, Portland OR, also gets the honor to display the Carl Sorensen traveling trophy for the next year after adding Ethan’s name to the plaque. The contest history dates back to 1963.
Next year’s contest will be hosted by the SW Washington Electrical JATC on Sept. 7, 2019 in Tacoma, WA.
2018 Graduation
The NIETC celebrates its 89th year with another outstanding group of graduating apprentices. A total of 139 men and women from throughout the jurisdiction attended the annual graduation event at the Airport Sheraton Hotel for their final act of apprenticeship: Graduation.
As the group gathered, LU 48 Business Manager Gary Young provided a reflection on the importance and value of the apprenticeship and each of their individual accomplishments. NECA Chapter Manager Tim Gauthier also addressed the group, revisiting the job at hand, the apprenticeship experience, and reporting to work each day without asking “Why?” He reminded them all that working to serve the customer while taking pride in their work is truly inspiring.
Mr. Curtis Robinhold, Port of Portland Executive Director, gave the keynote address, offering graduates and guests a glimpse of what the Port has to offer. He noted how each of them, likely had an impact in developing the Port to where it is today. He also noted that the IBEW makes up the largest bargaining unit at the Port. IBEW’s people, skills and abilities are what make the Port a success in its very technical and unique operations: from runway lighting to conveyors and baggage handling.
Kelly Kupcak, Oregon Tradeswomen Executive Director thanked all the graduates for being progressive and helping women make a difference in the trades.
Graduate awards were presented for top honors in the Inside, Limited Energy and Residential programs. Esteban Corona led the Residential group, while Jude Hlifka led the L.E group and Keirant Bryerton took top honors for the Inside program. Ken Brown was also recognized for his accomplishment, taking 3rd place in the 2017 Western States Electrical Contest. Following graduate awards, the graduates made the final trek across the stage to receive their diplomas and various gifts from the JATC, Platt Electric Supply, Danner Footwear and Milwaukee Tool.
