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Radio Story Highlights Coming Utility Worker Shortage

May 4, 2009

While the economic recession may have slowed down the number of retirements in the utility industry, the graying of North America’s electrical work force still poses a looming threat to the power industry.

According to an April 30 radio piece on National Public Radio:

“Many in the utility industry worry that the most vulnerable part of the power system is its work force, as a wave of retirements is depleting the supply of linemen and other craftsmen who keep the lights on … The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers says nearly half of its members nationwide are up for retirement in the next few years.”

But the coming shortage of utility workers translates into career opportunities for young people just entering the work force. A recent agreement between the IBEW and utility industry leaders to fund regional training centers, are helping to make sure that the next generation of linemen are receiving the proper training.

To listen to the NPR story, click here.

To read more about the electrical worker shortage, check out the Summer 2007 issue of the IBEW Journal.