New Electrician Certification Course to Train for Lighting Retrofits & Create Jobs-

Lighting accounts for roughly 40 percent of electricity use in the United States, and many major cities throughout the nation waste more energy through this source than any other activity. Building retrofits with energy efficient lighting systems are one of the most fundamental, yet simple ways that Americans can cut down on energy use. Not to mention, it saves consumers plenty of cash and puts people to work. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is working tirelessly in the industry to ensure lighting retrofits are performed by qualified, trained electricians through the development of a new certification for journeymen wiremen. The landmark certification, known as the California Advanced Lighting Control Training Program (CALCTP), was developed in partnership with stakeholders from across the industry, including the California State Labor Management Cooperation Committee for IBEW-NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), the California Energy Commission, University of California at Davis, the California Lighting Technology Center, Private and Public Utilities and the National Lighting Manufacturers Association. The course is 50 hours long, and requires that participants hold a California General Electrician state certification. “Lighting technology is rapidly changing and increasing in complexity, creating a need for training in the sector,” said Barbara Cox, grant coordinator for the California Labor Management Cooperation Committee. “Contractors have installed the technology incorrectly in the past, which creates problems for the end users.” The new CALCTP certification was designed to tackle these issues, as well as to foster job growth in an industry that desperately needs skilled workers. The course was initiated through a $5 million grant award presented earlier this year from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Barack Obama.