Washtenaw Community College (WCC) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) announced a new articulation agreement designed to help electrical workers earn college degrees while addressing the nation’s growing need for skilled trades professionals.
Through a combination of newly developed online coursework and credit awarded for prior learning gained through apprenticeship training and professional experience, IBEW members may earn associate degrees in construction supervision and journeyman industrial.
The new pathways were announced on Thursday, May 21 by IBEW Local 252, the Michigan Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the Ann Arbor Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center (AAEJATC) and college leadership.
The AAEJATC, located in Chelsea, provides education and hands-on training for individuals pursuing careers in the electrical industry throughout Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston and Ingham counties.
Each summer, approximately 1,300 IBEW members and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center staff from across the nation come to WCC’s campus for advanced training and professional development, making the partnership one of the college’s most visible and impactful workforce collaborations.
The new agreement provides IBEW members with flexible options to earn degrees while continuing to work in the field, supporting career advancement opportunities in an industry experiencing rapid growth nationwide.
“Washtenaw Community College is proud to partner with the IBEW to create flexible, meaningful educational pathways for working professionals,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “This agreement recognizes the tremendous value of the skills and experience these electrical workers already possess while helping them build additional credentials that can support lifelong career growth. Together, we are helping meet the workforce demands of Michigan and the nation.”
Industry organizations including NECA and IBEW have identified a growing shortage of skilled electrical workers as demand for infrastructure and energy projects accelerates nationwide.
“This partnership with Washtenaw Community College creates exciting opportunities for our members to continue their education while building successful careers in the electrical industry,” said Chris Parks, Training Director at the AAEJATC. “Our members already receive world-class technical training through our apprenticeship programs and continuing education classes, and this agreement allows that experience to translate directly into college degrees that can open even more doors professionally and personally.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electricians is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the average for all occupations — with approximately 81,000 openings projected annually over the decade. Growth is being driven by increased electrification, infrastructure modernization, renewable energy expansion, electric vehicle charging systems and data center construction.
The articulation agreement reflects WCC’s broader commitment to workforce development and strengthening partnerships that connect education with high-demand careers across Michigan and beyond.
Electrical workers pursuing their degree at WCC could earn an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Supervision, Associate of Science in Construction Supervision or Associate of Applied Science in Journeyman Industrial.
About Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been opening doors to success for students and the community for 60 years, providing education and training in a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce needs.
About the Ann Arbor Electrical JATC
The Ann Arbor Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center (AAEJATC), Chelsea, Michigan, provides education and hands-on training for individuals pursuing careers in the electrical industry throughout Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston and Ingham counties. Through a partnership between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 252 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the AAEJATC combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training to prepare apprentices for successful careers in the skilled trades. The AAEJATC also partners with educational institutions, industry leaders and community organizations to expand workforce development opportunities and meet the growing demand for highly trained electrical professionals.
Tags: Electrical Workers, IBEW, Industry Partnerships, Skilled Trades