Empowering the electrical industry through education since 2005.
The Western Electrical Contractors Education Foundation (WECEF) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to create opportunities to inform, educate, and train men and women for successful and satisfying careers in the electrical and low voltage trades.
WECEF believes in continually raising the standards of electrical and low voltage education in order to promote a highly skilled workforce for the growing industry needs in the Western United States.
Why WECEF?
Labor Shortage
The United States is facing a major shortage of electricians and low voltage technicians in the coming years due to the rising age of the average worker in these trades, and a growing demand for skilled workers in the state’s building industry. One of WECEF’s goals is to help address this shortage by expanding educational opportunities in these trades and recruiting women and men into the field to meet the growing demand.
Developing Technologies
The use of new technologies, mobile apps, and digitally-sophisticated equipment in the trades has dramatically increased in the last decade. There is a need to train workers to use this software and equipment in order to keep pace with technological advances in the industry. WECEF’s efforts assist in addressing the need for continuing education to help electricians and low voltage technicians keep pace with changes in the technology of their trades.
Diversity and Outreach
Community outreach efforts are limited between the industry, educational associations, local school districts, and career-development organizations. Youth and career-changers need to be informed of opportunities in the electrical and low voltage trades. In addition, there is a need in the industry for outreach efforts to women and other minorities. Through our outreach and recruiting efforts, WECEF hopes to help develop our industry to better represent the Western United States’ diverse population.