Acuity Brands Inc. and NALMCO (interNational Association of Lighting Management Companies) have announced their collaboration to provide ongoing electrical and lighting training resources with Milwaukee Public Schools Youth Apprenticeship Program. The resources include access to NALMCO’s Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician certification coursework and Acuity Academy training resources. Also, Acuity has provided LED lighting and lighting controls equipment to provide hands-on access during the in-school portion of their training, further preparing them for future on-the-job experiences.
“All the trades are looking for apprentices to address significant labor shortages in key areas including electrical,” said Erik Ennen, President-Elect NALMCO. “More certified electricians and lighting management technicians are needed now and for the future if we expect to keep up ever-increasing demands for energy savings initiatives and our nation’s move toward electrification. That’s why MPS’ program is so important and why we are happy to support its educational efforts.”
Administered through MPS’ Department of Facilities and Maintenance Services, the Youth Apprenticeship Program prepares qualified students for a career in the skilled trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and machinery. Students receive in-school training in their chosen trades from maintenance personnel who are certified journeymen and serve as the students’ mentors. They learn safety procedures, including OSHA 10 certification, and get hands-on job experience. Once students complete the program, the department pairs them with a contractor to continue their apprenticeship training post-graduation.
“The MPS program gives students hands-on training and the exposure they need to get an apprenticeship,” said George McIntrye, Senior Manager – Energy Solutions, Acuity Brands Lighting and Controls. “By providing access to NALMCO and Acuity online training coursework, students have the opportunity to earn a Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician designation.”
Students apply for the Youth Apprentice Program through MPS’s Career and Technical Education department. It is open to juniors and seniors, but students can express interest in the trades as early as their freshman or sophomore year. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and meet school attendance requirements.
“Over the last 10 years, we’ve had a 90 percent completion of students who’ve started with us and have graduated more than 200 students through the program so far,” said Giles Patterson, MPS Division of Facilities and Maintenance Services and apprenticeship program administrator. “We are thrilled to have NALMCO and Acuity step up to provide key resources for our electrical track. The fact that our students can achieve this level of certification by the time they graduate gives them a huge leg up as they continue their apprenticeships.”
