ECA News & Events Update | | |
80 Trainees Available August 3, 2026!
Submit Request(s), Now!
INTECH will be assigning a group of approximately 80 trainees to begin work on Monday, August 3. If your company is interested in hiring a trainee, please fill out and submit your trainee request as soon as possible (Link below) to: pmunoz@ejatt.com or jlambeth@ejatt.com. Early requests will help INTECH coordinate assignments efficiently and better meet your workforce needs. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our apprenticeship program.
TRAINEE REQUEST FORM
| | |
Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund’s
2026 Summer Solar Training Program Graduation Celebration
July 24, 2026
| |
On Friday, July 24, 2026, the Illinois Renewable Energy Fund (REF) celebrated the completion of their Summer Solar Training Program. This special event was held at the IBEW Local 134 Union Hall at 2722 S. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Chicago IL 60616. These 81 graduates are also Trainees that will be available for work on August 3, 2026.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
| |
NECA Educational Resources
NECA Education has compiled a listing of their most popular educational programs within the following categories:
- In Person
- Virtual Classroom
- On-line / On-Demand
- Business Skills
- NECA & Compliance
The Chicago Chapter holds around 8 – 10 “in-person” educational programs throughout the year. We thank the ECA Research and Education (R & E) Committee for their continued efforts to bring premier programming to the membership. Please review the “NECA Education Greatest Hits Course Guide” (link below). After your review, please let us know your thoughts on future programming. The ECA R & E Committee will be meeting in early Fall to plan out the 2027 Education Schedule. Please e-mail ttaylor@ecachicago.com with your suggestions.
Thank you for your assistance!
GREATEST HITS COURSE GUIDE
| | |
ECA Young Professionals 8th Annual Leadership Conference
Thursday, August 20, 2026 - Friday, August 21, 2026
Even Though Registration ended on July 14, 2026...
Please contact ECA, as there is availability!
| |
Registration is open for the ECA Young Professionals 8th Annual Leadership Conference! You won't want to miss this event! The Conference is being held at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel - Milwaukee, WI
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel 310 E Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The tentative schedule is as follows:
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Rehlko Facility Tour
12:00 PM Departure from Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
1:00– 2:30 PM Tour
3:30 PM Return to Hotel
Join us on a faculty tour that will include an educational session that will cover a high-level view of Rehlko as a business, including their history, product offerings, the different spaces they work in, and future outlook.
3:00 PM Guaranteed Hotel Check-in Time
6:00 – 10:00 PM Reception & Dinner
Friday, August 21, 2026
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00-10:00 AM Shane Yount – Chairman, Competitive Solutions, Inc – Process Based Leadership
10:00-11:00 AM Jessica Cardenas – ELECTRI International update and overview
11:00 AM -12:00 PM Carl Britton – Iron Thread Consulting – AI for Project Managers
12:00-12:45 PM Hotel Check-out/Lunch Break
12:45-4:00 PM Continued: Carl Britton – Iron Thread Consulting – AI for Project Managers
When registering, please indicate if you're staying at the hotel, as well as indicate if you're participating in the Rehlko Tour.
Even though Registration ended on July 14, 2026, please contact Taylor Kershaw at the ECA office to confirm availability. Tkershaw@ecachicago.com (618) 975-0833.
We look forward to seeing you in Milwaukee!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
| | |
ECA Summer Social
August 14, 2026
Registration is Open!
| | |
Electrical Contractors' Association Summer Social
Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier in Chicago
August 14, 2026
Join the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) at the Summer Social at Navy Pier's Offshore Rooftop. See the Chicago Air & Water Show practice from the rooftop! Mark your calendars for Friday, August 14, 2026, as we have a wonderful day planned at the Navy Pier Offshore Rooftop Bar (1000 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611)!
Located at the far East end of Chicago’s Navy Pier, Offshore Rooftop offers unencumbered views of Lake Michigan and the city’s famed skyline not found anywhere else. Celebrated as the world’s largest rooftop (source: Guinness World Records), this stunning, multi-seasonal space also boasts a world-class kitchen and full-service bar.
Program highlights include:
- Chicago Air & Water Show practice
- Food, Beverages, & Networking
- Tremendous Views of the City Skyline
All ECA Members are welcome to attend this complimentary event.
*Spouses and guests are welcome to attend!
**Recommended dress attire is business casual / summer attire.
We hope to see you there!
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION.
| | Illinois's 2026 Prevailing Wage Rates Published | | |
Dear IMSCA Members,
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published the 2026 prevailing wage rates for construction trades in every county across Illinois. Official press release can be found HERE.
The updated rates took effect Wednesday, July 15, 2026, following IDOL's annual statewide survey conducted in June pursuant to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act.
The Act requires workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects to be paid wages that reflect local standards. By ensuring workers receive locally prevailing wages, the law helps protect good-paying jobs, promotes fair competition among contractors, and keeps taxpayer investments supporting Illinois workers and communities.
Each year, IDOL determines prevailing wage rates by reviewing total compensation—including hourly base wages and annualized fringe benefits—commonly paid to workers performing similar work on public works projects within each locality.
"Illinois' prevailing wage law helps ensure that public investments create quality jobs while maintaining a level playing field for responsible contractors," said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. "Publishing these rates provides the transparency contractors, workers, and public agencies need as they plan and complete construction projects across our state."
Individuals who wish to object to the posted 2026 prevailing wage rates must submit a written objection to the Department by August 14, 2026. If an objection is received, it will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge.
To view the 2026 prevailing wage rates by county and construction trade, visit the Illinois Department of Labor's Prevailing Wage Act Rates webpage.
Best regards,
Daniel, Neil, and Sean Flynn
IMSCA
600 S. Second Street, Suite 102
Springfield, IL 62704
| |
IMSCA Prevailing Wage Update
As you know, effective July 1, 2026, contractors performing prevailing wage work in Illinois must comply with the apprentice fringe benefit requirements under HB 2488. IDOL's position is that while union apprentices may still be paid reduced apprentice wage rates, they must receive the same fringe benefit package as the applicable journeyman classification on prevailing wage projects. IMSCA has put together a FAQ about the matter (click link below). Any questions on IMSCA's FAQ, please contact Daniel Fynn at: dflynn@neilflynnlaw.com.
CLICK HERE FOR IMSCA'S FAQ
| | |
Prevailing Wage in Illinois
Communication Apprentice Adjustment Effective July 1, 2026
The following concerns any Prevailing Wage work done in Illinois under the Communications Agreement as of July 1, 2026:
Effective July 1st, 2026, employers will now be required to pay the same fringe benefit contributions for apprentices as is required for journey-level workers only when performing work on a project covered by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. ECA is currently working with the Electrical Insurance Trustees (“EIT”) to accommodate this change in the law. A new, prevailing wage-specific report will be available to employers for July hours and benefits reports. Through this new report, employers will be able to pay the regular apprentice wages with journey-level fringe benefits in lieu of paying the benefits on the check, with the exception of NEBF. While this new report will use the JW rate as the basis for calculations, employers need only pay the appropriate apprentice wage scale for your apprentices plus the excess NEBF contribution, as illustrated below. EIT’s reporting system can only calculate the correct journey-level fringe benefits by populating the JW rate of $53.64, but this is not the wage that employers are required to actually pay.
For NEBF, employers will be required to pay an additional amount of money on the apprentices wages in order to make up the difference between what a JW is owed for the NEBF contribution versus what an apprentice would ordinarily be owed. To calculate the additional amount needed for the wage, you simply divide the difference between the JW NEBF contribution and the normal apprentice NEBF contribution by 1.03.
For the Vacation contribution, apprentices must receive the same $1.50 per hour contribution as JWs when performing work on a project covered by the Prevailing Wage Act.
| | |
Prevailing Wage in Illinois
"A" Apprentice Adjustment Effective July 1, 2026
The following concerns any work done in Illinois under Prevailing Wage as of July 1, 2026:
Effective July 1st, 2026, employers will now be required to pay the same fringe benefit contributions for apprentices as is required for journey-level workers only when performing work on a project covered by the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. ECA is currently working with the Electrical Insurance Trustees (“EIT”) to accommodate this change in the law. A new, prevailing wage-specific report will be available to employers for July hours and benefits reports. Through this new report, employers will be able to pay the regular apprentice wages with journey-level fringe benefits in lieu of paying the benefits on the check, with the exception of NEBF. While this new report will show the JW rate as the basis for calculations, employers need only pay the appropriate apprentice wage scale for your apprentices plus the excess NEBF contribution, as illustrated below. EIT’s reporting system can only calculate the correct journey-level fringe benefits by populating the JW rate of $63.15, but this is not the wage that employers are required to actually pay. Employers should continue paying the regular apprentice wage.
For NEBF, employers will be required to pay an additional amount of money on the apprentices wages in order to make up the difference between what a JW is owed for the NEBF contribution versus what an apprentice would ordinarily be owed. To calculate the additional amount needed for the wage, you simply divide the difference between the JW NEBF contribution and the normal apprentice NEBF contribution by 1.03.
For example – a JW working 1 hour at the straight time rate of pay is entitled to $1.89 towards NEBF ($63.15 x 3%), vs. a 40% apprentice working one hour at the straight time rate of pay who is owed $0.76 ($25.26 x 3%). The difference between the two is $1.13. If you divide $1.13 by 1.03, you need only pay an additional $1.10/hour on the apprentices wage in order to match the JW’s $1.89 contribution. This formula accounts for the 3% of gross wages contribution that applies to the new, higher wage resulting from the change in law.
| |
This formula works for shift, overtime, and double time premiums as well. For example – the NEBF contribution for a JW working 1 hour of double time is $3.78, whereas a 40% apprentice working the same would normally receive $1.51. For an employer to pay the $3.78 NEBF contribution that is now required under the law, you need only pay an additional $2.20 on the check (additional $2.20 on the check plus $1.58 NEBF contribution = $3.78).
EIT and ECA will be hosting informational webinars once the report is available to assist employers with this change in the reporting process. We will share the dates and times for the webinars as soon as they are available. Please contact the office should you have any questions.
Additional background information:
Earlier this year, IMSCA had initiated and continued to advocate for the passage of (HB 4751 - Hoffman), in order to address the issues stemming from the passage of HB 2488 at the close of the 2025 Spring Session. The action did not prevail.
IMSCA's legal counsel had prepared and submitted to the Illinois Department of Labor a letter seeking the Department's guidance regarding the implementation of H.B. 2488 (P.A. 104-0017), which amended the definition of "prevailing rate of wages" within the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (“IPWA”), effective July 1, 2026 (as delayed by H.B. 1437/P.A. 104-0434). Click the link for A copy of the letter.
|
| |
Chicago Department of Buildings Update
June 22, 2026
Message from Marlene Hopkins, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Buildings:
To our neighbors and partners,
When I think about what we have accomplished in the first half of 2026, one word comes to mind: progress. Last week, the Chicago City Council passed Phase 3 of the Chicago Construction Codes Modernization Initiative — the culmination of years of work, partnership, and an unwavering belief that we could modernize how this city builds without sacrificing what makes Chicago safe. It is one of the most significant milestones of my tenure, and I could not be more proud. I am grateful to every person who helped us get here — for their tenacity and their commitment to getting it right on behalf of the people we serve. There is more work to do, and together, we are ready to bring that same energy into the second half of the year. Thank you for your continued partnership!
Modern Code for a Modern City:
Phase 3 Passes — A Milestone for Chicago’s Built Environment
On June 17, 2026, the Chicago City Council passed Phase 3 of the Chicago Construction Codes Modernization Initiative — a landmark package of updates to five code areas: mechanical, fuel gas, fire prevention, energy, and residential construction. The updates address the unique needs of Chicago’s housing stock and built environment while aligning the city’s requirements with the latest national consensus standards.
Phase 3 advances Chicago’s construction standards across four key areas:
Build More Housing — New flexibilities make it easier and more cost-effective to build and convert residential buildings across Chicago.
Breathe Better — Updated mechanical and fuel gas standards align Chicago’s requirements with modern materials, equipment, and federal law.
Save More Energy — Aligns Chicago’s energy efficiency requirements with the latest national standards, reducing costs for builders and residents alike.
Get Energized — Strengthens fire safety standards for solar installations and energy storage systems across all building types.
Read the Full Press Release
Read the complete substitute ordinance here..
| | |
Virtual Overview of Assistance Program Services
This complimentary, informative session introduces the Assistance Program, highlights the services and resources available, and provides a demonstration of our new member portal/app. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet their dedicated account manager and learn how to make the most out of Assistance Program support for themselves and their families.
Starting March 2, you can access services at AllOneHealth.com/portal.
You may notice that new materials reference updated landing pages. If employees use an existing or bookmarked link, it will automatically redirect to AllOneHealth.com/portal beginning March 2—no action needed.
If you already use the AllOne Health App, log in with the same credentials. If not, create an account—your login will work for both the app and the portal.
Please review the attached flyer for sign-up instructions and watch the short orientation video here:
👉 Orientation Video
Confidential support remains available 24/7 for employees and their household members.
Check out the new AOH App!
CLICK HERE for the promotional flyer and meeting links - so members can register for a session that works best for them.
Kaitlin DeBlasio is available if you have any questions. If you are interested in coordinating a custom Assistance Program overview specifically for your organization, please reach out to her directly a:t Kaitlin DeBlasio, LCPC, Client Relations Manager - direct: 847-273-3273,
kaitlin.deblasio@allonehealth.com.
Check out the new AOH App!
| |
ALLOne Health – Sexual Harassment Prevention (IL Requirement)
Illinois law requires every employer to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training. The 2026 training module for ECA- Electrical Contractors Association, IL is now available in the AllOne Health Portal. AllOne Health hasd put together a short (3-minute) video announcing the rollout and showing how employees can get started. Please share it with your HR team, managers, and any other stakeholders who should know this is underway.
Click Below for module:
Announcing Illinois Sexual Harassment Training Module
In the video, your team will see
• Why this training is required under Illinois law
• Where to find it in the AllOne Health Portal
• How new and returning users log in
• Who to contact with questions
Your organization's company code is: ecaeap
| | |
REMINDER
Membership Discount in the Illinois Solar Energy and
Storage Association (ISEA)
| | |
As a reminder, the Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) is offering a discount to member firms that are interested in joining the Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA) as an ISEA Charter Business Member.
We hope that you will take advantage of this membership benefit opportunity.
ILLINOIS SOLAR ENERGY AND STORAGE ASSOCIATION DISCOUNT MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA) Discount Opportunity for ISEA Charter Membership category.
ISEA business members receive benefits meant to expand understanding and opportunity in renewable energy development in the state. These benefits include: a public profile on the ISEA website, invitations to webinars on topics related to renewable energy development in Illinois, RFP announcements, as well as the opportunity to participate in membership calls.
The ECA has maintained its ISEA Sponsor Organization membership which now confers a membership discount of $200 off of the $1,000 ISEA Charter Membership category to all interested ECA member firms. All ECA members are invited to join the Illinois Solar Energy Association at a discount. Again, ECA member firms can take $200 off of the $1,000 ISEA Individual Charter membership category.
Please email ISEA Executive Director, Lesley McCain at lesley.mccain@illinoissolar.org for help facilitating this member discount.
ISEA Charter Membership Benefits:
- Voting rights in ISEA Board of Directors elections
- A public profile on the ISEA Find a Professional page
- ISEA industry-focused newsletter and timely information on policy updates, funding opportunities, and other information relevant to the industry delivered to your email
- Access to business-only content, such as policy webinars, RFP notifications, and more.
- Opportunities to sponsor ISEA events
- Opportunities to promote your business through a profile in ISEA's community-focused newsletter and social media
- Member discounts to events and training
- Discounts for partner organizations' classes and events
- ISEA logo available for your website and communications
Please contact the ECA at: (708) 531-0022, if you have any questions regarding the ECA promotion with the ISEA.
| | NECA Premier Partner Update - 3M | | |
3M 35 kV Deadbreak Kit Availability and 2026 Pricing
3M has updated the lead time for its 35kV Separable Connectors, with deadbreak kit availability now set at 2–3 weeks. In addition, 3M has confirmed that there will be no pricing increases for these products in 2026. This update is intended to support improved planning and project scheduling for NECA members nationwide.
| | Don't Miss Your "Power of Better" Opportunity
- A message from Powering Chicago - | | |
Powering Chicago was built on partnership, and that includes you. As a signatory contractor, you’re part of a network that’s setting the standard for better construction across Chicago and Cook County. We’re continuing to spotlight the people and companies behind that standard through blogs, videos, social media, and the "The Power of Better" video series.
This is your opportunity to take full advantage of being part of Powering Chicago by promoting your work, your team, and the projects that make you stand out.
Here’s how it benefits you:
- Professional Credibility
- Reach future clients online
- Marketing content you can share
- Build trust with real examples
Your story has the power to inspire trust, attract new opportunities, and strengthen the entire Powering Chicago network.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Learn more about showcasing your work.
| | Electric Association Centennial Celebration
August 13, 2026 | |
Join the Electric Association (EA) on Thursday, August 13, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm on the Spirit of Chicago at Navy Pier! Celebrate a century of power, progress, and partnership.
The Electrical Association’s Centennial Celebration will honor 100 years of innovation and impact in Chicago’s electrical industry. This is more than just a milestone—it’s a chance to celebrate the accomplishments, relationships, and people who have shaped our industry and will continue to drive it forward for the next 100 years. Reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and share the experience—spouses and guests are encouraged to attend! Dress attire is festive and formal. Don’t miss this once-in-a-generation event—get your tickets today! Exclusive event includes dinner, premium bar and two hours of touring Lake Michigan with the fellow leaders of the electrical industry to celebrate 100 years of the Electric Association.
Early Discount for EA Members $275 per person (Available through June 15, 2026)
EA Members $300
Non-members $325 per person
Hotel Room Block: Book your discounted room at the The Sable Hotel on Navy Pier directly across from the ship. Room block available through August 5.
Please RSVP by July 31, 2026.
Changes and refunds for cancellations are not guaranteed after July 31. This is event is expected to sell out!
REGISTER NOW
| | |
NECA Convention Registration is Open!
Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas - October 4 - 7, 2026 | | |
Celebrate 125 Years of NECA!
The NECA Convention & Trade Show is coming to Las Vegas!
Visit www.necaconvention.org for more details and to register.
Convention Stipend
The ECA Executive Committee approved the stipend of the Registration Fee for up to two representatives and their guests from each ECA member firm that registers for the Convention. The registrations will be reimbursed to the applicable companies after the Convention.
Registration
Registration is open; please visit www.necaconvention.org to register for the NECA Convention/Accommodations. Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is located at 3950 South Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV.
The regular "in-person" NECA Convention registration fee is $2,300 per NECA member, and $1,460 for the member’s spouse / guest. However, those who register early (cut-off dated August 12) will receive the “early bird” price of $1,925 for members and $1,240 for the member’s spouse / guest.
The Chicago Chapter Hotel is the Four Seasons Mandalay Bay.
Chicago Chapter Events
For those Chapter members that attend the NECA Convention, the Chicago and Cook County Chapter functions are listed below.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
“Welcome to Las Vegas” Event
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Upper Deck-Pool area
Monday, October 5, 2026
Chapter Reception / Dinner
7:00 pm start: Reception / Dinner
House of Blues Mandalay Bay
Vinyl Room Lower Lounge and Terrace
Wednesday October 7, 2026
Pre-Closing Event Reception
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Reception (cocktails and heavy hors de oeuvres)
Four Seasons Mandalay Bay
Fountain Terrace
After you have registered, please e-mail a copy of your completed registration transaction to the Association office at registration@ecachicago.com. This will allow us to have a record of your registration information, should you need any assistance after registering.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
| | Electric Association
Women Build Electrical Industry Build Day
October 16, 2026 | | |
On Friday, October 16th in Chicago, Habitat for Humanity Chicago is hosting its first-ever Women Build – Electrical Industry Build Day. This event will bring together women from across our industry for a day of hands-on service, collaboration, and community impact.
The goal is to form seven build teams (approximately 70 participants), and we would love to have your organization represented. This is a fantastic opportunity for the women on your team to:
· Connect with peers across the industry
· Give back through a meaningful community project
· Showcase the strength, skill, and impact of women in electrical
We encourage you to share this opportunity with your team and support participation from your organization.
Registration link:
Habitat for Humanity Chicago's Women Build Electrical Association Day
Please fill out the form in the link above by July 31, 2026.
Please feel free to forward this invitation to others within your organization who may be interested. Questions? Reach out to Kelsey Miklos at kelsey.miklos@habitatchicago.org.
| | |
ECA Educational and Conference Stipends for 2026
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Executive Committee has approved a number of educational stipends for many special programs / conferences throughout 2026. All stipends / reimbursements are made after each conference with registration confirmation(s) and applicable receipts forwarded to ECA.
CLICK HERE FOR LISTING
| |
ECA Educational Programming for 2026
The 2026 Education Programming Schedule is confirmed for 2026. Please click the link below for a full listing with links for registration!
CLICK HERE FOR LISTING
| | |
DOCUMENT CRUNCH
ECA Has Renewed for 2026
| | |
The Electrical Contractors' Association of City of Chicago (ECA) has renewed the Document Crunch service for the membership for 2026. Please review the information below and register for this unique service!
Document Crunch’s mission is to empower construction teams to confidently make informed decisions that reduce risk and deliver better project outcomes. Their AI Risk Reduction Platform is built specifically for construction and gives teams the power to review documents in seconds, guide decisions with best practices, and assist with on-the-job questions and tasks. Document Crunch and NECA/ELECTRI have partnered to offer an exclusive solution that enables those better project outcomes for your business.
Faster Reviews
CrunchAI greatly reduces contract review times, typically done in just a few minutes!
Unmatched Insight
Deep and thorough AI-driven analysis of your contract gives a holistic view, benchmarked against 12 common areas of risk for electrical contractors.
Top 12 Contract Issues for Trade Contractors:
1. Pay if Paid
2. Right to Stop Work
3. Consequential Damages
4. Liquidated Damages
5. Liability Caps
6. Indemnity
7. Delays
8. Subsurface Conditions
9. Hazardous Materials
10. Design Responsibility
11. Payment Terms
12. Material Price Escalation
Understand Major Issues
Generative AI summaries provide easy consumption and understanding. Quickly learn if the contract language meets NECA best practices.
Suggested Redlines
For issues that fall short of best practice, CrunchAI creates and suggests language alternatives to bring the contract up to standard.
ECA members, who sign up for the service have exclusive access to an ELECTRI-specific solution of Document Crunch that will assess your contracts and quickly identify these top 12 critical risk provisions within your contracts. As part of the ELECTRI Document Crunch partnership, the platform’s enhanced benchmarking service is available to you to understand your levels of risk related to your peers.
Document Crunch
Click Here for Demo Video
Sign Up for Access
Click Here for recent Update.
If any questions, please contact Miah Veselinovic, Document Crunch at: mveselinovic@documentcrunch.com.
| | |
FREE Safety Training - 2026
CSC is offering a series of complimentary programs!
Now Extended until December 31, 2026!
| | |
Earlier this year, ECA Chicago announced a partnership with the Construction Safety Council in support of our shared commitment to enhancing and preserving the well-being of Local 134 employers and employees. This unique opportunity for contractors and workers to receive safety training expires December 31, 2026. Courses will continue to be offered at no cost - thanks to federal grant funding from the U.S. Labor Department Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The Construction Safety Council (CSC) been awarded an OSHA grant to support local delivery of five high-demand training topics:
- Workzone Hazards
- Excavation Dangers
- Harmful Silica
- Fall Protection
- Electrical Safety
Each session includes four hours of in-person instruction, which requires a 4.5 timeline for delivery (e.g., 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). This Awareness-Level training is available to employers and employees, locally or nationwide. Their trainers are subject matter experts, who will engage participants in interactive lectures, demonstrations, and discussions about construction workplace hazards and risk-prevention strategies.
The ECA is proud to join the CSC in sponsoring these training opportunities. Due to the availability of federal grant funding, all materials and instruction are available AT NO COST. The training is FREE OF CHARGE for all ECA members.
-
OPEN ENROLLMENT courses hosted by CSC in Hillside, Illinois – 2026 training dates will be available at www.buildsafe.org after December 15.
- PRIVATE courses hosted by ECA members – at any time, on any day, at any location.
If any questions, please contact the CSC at: (708) 449-8604.
We hope that you will take advantage of the opportunity to participate with these sessions!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION!
| | |
Culture of Collaboration Workshop
Transforming Our Industry Together: Introducing the DEI Program for ECA of Chicago
The ECA is continuing its exciting journey to shape our future with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at its core. We've partnered with Leadership Surge to bring a specially designed DEI program to the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) of Chicago, and you’re invited to be a part of this transformative experience.
Please use the scheduling form below to secure a date and register your companies for the live 2-hr DEI Training session:
Scheduling Form
The goal is to have each company choose their preferred training and capture their contact information and preferred training location.
Here’s what's in store for us:
- Tailored Training Sessions: From senior leadership to our valued front-line employees, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to dive into interactive sessions that will empower us to lead and participate in a more inclusive workplace.
- Engaging Learning Formats: Whether it's live workshops or on-the-go learning through a mobile app, this program offers flexible ways to engage with DEI principles. Plus, Toolbox Talks will bring DEI conversations right into our daily routines.
- A United Effort: This isn't just training; it's a movement towards building a workplace where every voice is heard and every contribution valued. We're not just aiming for compliance; we're striving for commitment and change.
Program Intro
| | |
IMSCA PAC Funding Drive
Your voice matters in Illinois!
By contributing to the IMSCA Political Action Committee (PAC), you help support candidates and initiatives that align with the values and goals of IMSCA. Any contribution, no matter the level of support, is incredibly helpful. We hope that you will consider a contribution.
Click Here for further information.
| | |
| |
EP 21: Inside Mission-Critical Electrical Work at O’Hare Terminal 3
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is undergoing a major transformation through the ongoing Terminal 3 renovation project, a complex infrastructure effort requiring phased construction, continuous electrical reliability, and coordinated work within one of the world’s busiest airports.
Powering Chicago member contractor Maron Electric Company is helping support critical airport infrastructure upgrades while maintaining daily airport operations throughout construction.
Watch Now
| |
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
It is an unfortunate fact that construction has the highest rate of suicide of any industry in America. We lose about 53 out of every 100,000 members of our industry EVERY YEAR to suicide. We are four times the average of other industries. We have a crisis in construction and we need to do something about it. You can visit the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention website and learn more. We urge all to take the pledge to STAND UP for suicide prevention and address it as a health and safety priority.
| | | | |
