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PARAMUS, N.J., Aug. 7, 2009 – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164, a nationally recognized leader in identifying, developing and implementing innovative educational programs for electricians and telecommunications workers, recently hosted the 2009 National Electrical Training Directors Association (NETDA) Annual Conference for more than 100 training directors from across the country and Canada. Gov. Jon Corzine kicked-off the week-long event, which was held at the Sheraton Meadowlands and culminated with a tour of Local 164’s 40,000-square-foot Training Academy in Paramus, N.J.

Highlights also included an opening ceremony featuring the IBEW Local 164 Pipes & Drums performing Marine hymns and a planned family outing to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. In addition, the Northern New Jersey Chapter of NECA addressed the training directors to emphasize the importance of employing the most highly skilled workers in the construction industry.

“The goal of NETDA reflects one of Local 164’s highest priorities, which is to train our union electricians and telecom workers in the latest industry advancements and safety techniques, while remaining ahead of the technology curve,” said John DeBouter, Local 164’s training director and president, who spearheaded this year’s event. “The conference is an opportunity to exchange creative ideas to help training directors compete in a marketplace where it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify the most highly skilled workers.”

Comprised of training professionals in apprenticeship and training committees administered jointly by IBEW and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (NJATC), NETDA is committed to advancing the level of training for new and certified union electricians and telecommunications workers throughout the United States and Canada. The association primarily focuses on new and growing technologies, safety training and personal and professional development for its members and affiliated organizations.
Local 164’s in-depth curriculum, which is administered by the representatives from Local 164, combines classroom lectures and labs with on-the-job, supervised training. Offerings range from pre-apprenticeship classes for high school students and the five-year electrical and four-year telecommunications apprenticeship programs, to more than 20 journeyperson skill improvement and safety courses.

The curriculum, which includes one of the first photovoltaic (PV) training programs focusing on the installation, repair and maintenance of solar technology and “green” control systems, is taught by fully certified instructor/members who are graduates of the National Training Institute.

In addition to offering an extensive curriculum of apprenticeship training programs and continuing education classes, Local 164 is committed to implementing drug-free construction zones throughout the state of New Jersey. In 2008, IBEW Local 164 launched the first drug-free workforce program in the industry that includes mandatory random sampling of 25 percent of its membership annually. The program has served as a model for similar initiatives throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Founded in 1901, Local 164 remains dedicated to the IBEW’s original objective and programs - to make life better for its members and those around them. Today, the local includes more than 3,900 men and women providing electrical services throughout Bergen, Hudson and Essex counties and telecommunications workers contracted throughout the state. Today, the IBEW includes 800,000 members worldwide. ###

About IBEW Local 164

CAPTION: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164, a nationally recognized leader in identifying, developing and implementing innovative educational programs for electricians and telecommunications workers, recently hosted the 2009 National Electrical Training Directors Association (NETDA) Annual Conference for more than 100 training directors. Gov. Jon Corzine served as keynote speaker. Left to right are: John DeBouter, Local 164’s training director and president; Richard Dressel, business manager; Gov. Corzine and Gene Stepanik, training director of Local 38 in Cleveland, OH. Stepanik served as chairman of the conference.