Every April, National Apprenticeship Week gives us a chance to recognize something that has always been central to Miller Electric’s success: investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
For more than a century, Miller Electric has built our reputation through our people — both veteran tradespeople and by developing talented newcomers to the field.
It’s one of the reasons employees are proud to build their careers here, and one of the reasons customers trust the teams that show up on their jobsites. And as the demand for skilled labor continues to grow, that commitment isn’t just good for all of us — it’s essential to the future of our industry.
The Workforce Challenge
Across the country, demand for skilled electricians and technicians continues to outpace supply. Current projections show job growth for electricians at about 9% over the next several years, faster than the average for most occupations. At the same time, experienced journeymen are retiring, projects are becoming more complex and technology continues to evolve.
For contractors, owners and developers, that reality raises an important question: who will do the work tomorrow?
Companies that are thriving in this environment tend to have one thing in common. They invest in training early, consistently and intentionally.
Executive Vice President Roger Knobbe says, “I’m very optimistic about the next generation coming into the trades. We’re seeing more interest than we have in years, and a lot of that comes from the effort being put into outreach, recruitment and education. The people coming into the program now are excited to learn, and that energy is good for the industry. When you have that level of interest and commitment, it’s a sign the future of the trade is in good hands.”
Fostering that interest and commitment is foundational to the philosophy behind Miller Electric’s long-standing focus on apprenticeship.
A Commitment to Training That Goes Beyond the Basics
Electrical apprentices working with Miller Electric are part of the Omaha Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Committee (OJEATC), which combines classroom instruction with real-world experience. Apprentices attend school while working in the field, learning the trade under the guidance of experienced journeymen and foremen.
Miller plays an active role in the process, with company leaders serving on apprenticeship committees, teaching, helping interview candidates and working closely with the training center to make sure apprentices are getting the experience they need to succeed. Once apprentices are placed with Miller (this year we have over 60), the focus shifts to mentorship — pairing them with experienced professionals who take pride in teaching the next generation.
We might take it for granted, but that approach is intentional. Apprentices rotate through different types of work, so they graduate with a broad skill set and the confidence to take on complex projects. This approach takes time and effort, but it produces a workforce that understands not just how to do the work, but how to do it safely, efficiently and at a high standard, no matter where they land.
Low Voltage Field Operations Manager Nick Incontro says, “When our apprentices come in and they’re learning, they also come in with new ideas. They’re younger, they’re more driven — they really drive the industry forward. I’ve always appreciated that.”
Training for the Modern Jobsite
Today’s projects require more than traditional electrical work. Data centers, communications systems, security infrastructure and advanced building technologies have made low voltage work equally critical to project success.
That’s why Miller Electric invests in training across both electrical and low voltage disciplines, both of which support the backbone of modern facilities.
By developing talent in both areas, Miller knows its teams are ready for the demands of today’s projects as well as tomorrow’s.
A Culture of Mentorship and Pride in the Work
Formal training is only part of what makes apprenticeship work. The other part is culture.
One of the things people notice quickly at Miller Electric is how many employees are involved in helping apprentices succeed. Training doesn’t happen in one classroom or with one instructor (although it happens there, too). It happens on jobsites, in the shop, at the training center and anywhere experienced team members take the time to share what they know.
“At Miller, one of our main goals with every apprentice we hire is to make sure they succeed,” says Roger. “We pair them with experienced people who want to teach, hold them accountable and give them the tools to grow. Almost everyone in the field came through the apprenticeship themselves, so there’s a real appreciation for the program and a strong culture of helping the next person coming up. Apprenticeships are the future, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
That mindset — stay curious, work hard and keep learning — is exactly what keeps the program strong, and it’s one of the reasons many employees choose to build their careers at Miller long-term.
Investing in People Is Investing in the Future
Apprenticeship takes time, effort and commitment, but it’s one of the most important investments we make. The trades are unique in the workforce in the way they are taught and the way they’re executed, but we know the people learning the trade today will be the ones leading projects tomorrow.
For employees, that means working in a place that is serious about developing its people — whether you’ve been around for a few weeks or a few decades. For our customers, it means working with professionals that are intentional about quality, training and long-term success.
National Apprenticeship Week is a reminder that the future of the industry doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built by companies willing to teach, employees willing to mentor and apprentices willing to put in the work.
At Miller Electric, that work is happening every day — and it’s one of the reasons the company continues to grow, innovate and lead the way.