IEC Pre-Apprenticeship Program Lights the Way for Future Electricians
In Louisville, a new generation of students is discovering the power and potential of skilled trades through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Kentuckiana’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Designed in partnership with the Academies of Louisville, this initiative offers high school students a hands-on introduction to the electrical industry-connecting classroom learning with real-world applications and mentorship from industry professionals.
A New Pathway to the Trades
The IEC Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched just six months ago, thanks to a $25,000 donation from the T.E.M. Group Inc. The six-week experience was crafted to prepare students for the demands of the electrical field, blending practical skills with professional development. Participants came from six JCPS high schools: Marion C. Moore, Valley, Pleasure Ridge Park, Iroquois, Doss, and Atherton.
Students attended seven sessions at the IEC training facility, mirroring the schedule of a typical apprenticeship. Four sessions took place during school hours, two in the evenings, and one on a Saturday, giving students a taste of the flexible but demanding schedule of a working apprentice. Each session was led by instructors who also teach master electrician classes, ensuring students learned from seasoned professionals.
“I definitely want to be an electrician. I’m confident I’ll find a job after this.”
Learning by Doing–and Asking Questions
The curriculum covered a wide range of topics: safety, foundational electrical skills, career pathways, professional behavior, and job search strategies. During any given session, students could be wiring single-pulse switches, studying Olm’s laws, or learning how to apply the electrical codebook. Austin, a senior from Valley High School, said, “This reinforces what I’ve learned from Mr. Spiva,” referencing his electrical pathway teacher. He appreciated the focus on safety protocols and the career opportunities discussed during the program.
Instructors noticed a difference in the high school cohort. Rob Barnett, owner of Indeed Electric and IEC instructor, noted, “They ask more questions than my typical adult students.” Stuart Stansbury of HBG Electrical Services was impressed by the students’ attentiveness and preparedness, especially those who had already completed certifications like TRACK, NCCER, and OSHA at their schools.
Preparing for the Workforce
A highlight of the program was the “Tool Packs” provided by Milwaukee Tools and Eckart Electrical Supply-backpack-style bags filled with essential tools, valued at $250 each. These packs ensured that every student left the program workforce ready, equipped to step onto a job site with confidence.
The program culminated in interviews with local contractors, giving students the chance to showcase their skills and professionalism. Stephen Burch, IEC’s Training & Education Director, praised the students for their eagerness to learn and their readiness for the next step.
Student Voices: Building Confidence and Careers
For many students, the pre-apprenticeship program expanded on what they had already learned in their school pathways. Emily, a junior from Iroquois High School, said she loved seeing how her knowledge aligned with industry standards. “I’ve learned more about concepts and tools, and I really enjoy the hands-on nature of the class,” she said. Emily is now hoping to secure an electrical co-op for her senior year.
Ayden, a senior from Pleasure Ridge Park, appreciated the real-world preview the program offered. “I definitely want to be an electrician. I’m confident I’ll find a job after this,” he shared. Matthew Newton, a PRP junior, first learned about IEC through a school field trip and is now considering a career in the trade.
A Launchpad for Lifelong Careers
The IEC Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a community effort to address Kentucky’s shortage of skilled electricians and to “make the trades cool again,” as Heidi Mueller, partnership manager for IEC, puts it. With over 100 local employers connected to IEC, graduates’ names are sent directly to hiring contractors, opening doors to apprenticeships and careers in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work.
IEC’s apprenticeship program is a nationally accredited, four-year pathway that combines one night of classroom instruction per week with on-the-job training. Apprentices earn while they learn, with starting salaries over $56,000 and opportunities to earn college credit toward an associate’s degree.
As the first cohort of pre-apprentices graduates, their future is bright. With industry mentors, hands-on experience, and a direct pipeline to employment, these students are ready to power Louisville’s future-one circuit at a time.
