Ann Arbor, MI (December 11, 2024) — The electrical training ALLIANCE has reaffirmed its commitment to the Ann Arbor area by signing a five-year agreement to host its annual National Training Institute (NTI). This decision ensures that the Ann Arbor area will continue to serve as the premier destination for the electrical industry's flagship workforce training event through 2029.

The NTI has a substantial economic impact on the Ann Arbor area, with previous events contributing millions of dollars to the local economy. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retailers, benefit from the influx of participants and attendees during the event week, with many participants bringing family members to explore the vibrant community.

The NTI brings together thousands of IBEW electrical professionals, including educators, training directors and NECA contractors, for a week-long series of courses, seminars, and networking events. These programs are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of the electrical workforce, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry advancements. The electrical workers will split training between the facilities of Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University campus.

"The electrical training ALLIANCE is excited to continue its presence in Washtenaw County for another five years," said Todd Stafford, Executive Director of the electrical training ALLIANCE. "Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College have been tremendous partners, and as we prepare to celebrate our 34th annual event in 2025, we are confident that together we can deliver unparalleled professional development opportunities for electrical professionals from across the country."

Sarah Miller, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, shared her excitement about the renewed partnership. “We’re thrilled that the electrical training ALLIANCE has chosen the Ann Arbor area as their destination for the next five years. We’re grateful to have outstanding partners like Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University to make these events possible. NTI exemplifies excellence in education and training, and we’re proud to continue supporting this nationally significant event."

Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, President of Washtenaw Community College, emphasized the value of the collaboration. “For over 30 years Washtenaw Community College has collaborated to educate and train the skilled trades. This partnership with the electrical training ALLIANCE and our colleagues at EMU will bring more than 2,000 workers into labs and classrooms to sharpen skills and stay on the cutting edge of their craft. Innovative efforts like this result in a highly skilled workforce and benefit our community and beyond.”

“Eastern Michigan University is proud to continue our partnership with the electrical training ALLIANCE to host NTI," said James M. Smith, President of Eastern Michigan University. "In addition to having the capacity to support such a large event, our state-of-the-art learning environment is easy-to-navigate and provides the modern facilities that help ensure a successful program for electrical professionals from across the country. This partnership reflects EMU’s commitment to fostering workforce development and building impactful industry relationships."

The Ann Arbor area’s collaborative partnerships, top-tier facilities, and welcoming community continue to make it the preferred destination for NTI, according to electrical training ALLIANCE leadership. Tim Strickland, Director of NTI Operations, highlighted the importance of the location. "When the electrical training ALLIANCE made the move to Washtenaw County in 2009, we felt very welcome and appreciated by the citizens of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. That hasn't changed over the past 15 years and that's just one of the many reasons we're staying in Washtenaw County. The electrical training ALLIANCE is very excited to be partnering with Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College. Both have been great partners over the last two years and as we move forward, we are sure that the best is yet to come."

The renewed agreement between the electrical training ALLIANCE and the Ann Arbor area not only strengthens the region’s position as a hub for educational excellence but also reinforces its role in advancing the electrical industry's standards and practices. Learn more about the region’s meeting and event capabilities at annarbor.org/meetings.

###

About the electrical training ALLIANCE:
The electrical training ALLIANCE was created over 70 years ago as a joint training program between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) aimed at training the best electrical workers the industry has to offer. Today, the electrical training ALLIANCE has developed into the largest apprenticeship and training program of its kind, having trained over 350,000 apprentices to journeyman status through local affiliate programs.

About Destination Ann Arbor:
Destination Ann Arbor is a 501 (c)6 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to elevate economic vitality and connect our communities through the power of travel. In addition to hosting the electrical training ALLIANCE’s National Training Institute, the Ann Arbor area is home to several other prominent union groups, including the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers; the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry; and the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers.