Electrical Degrees at the National Labor College

Union leaders in the Washington, D.C. area are also working with the with George Meany Center near Washington D.C. and the new National Labor College to develop a branch campus where every graduate of an apprenticeship or joint training program can get college credits leading to an AA degree. With more than 4,000 students and apprentices enrolled in apprentice and training programs in Maryland each year, this would make the program one of the leading educational providers in the state.

IBEW local 164 is also involved in a program that is designed to open new doors into the office workplace. The IBEW historically was responsible for telephone installations in the state. In the mid-1970s, they used these skills to branch out into data and computer networks. Therefore, the union has experienced tremendous growth. They now have 400-500 people in apprenticeship programs.

With experience running the wires for networks, they are now ready to take the next step and move into actual network and computer setup, installation, and integration. Under this program, the union would be able to leave someone behind after the wire has been run who will be able to pull everything together and make it work. In addition to creating new jobs for their members, this would introduce a union representative into offices that are largely unorganized.

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