IBEW Local 701 Encourages Women to Join the Electrical Trade in First Ever Event For Women
April 4, 2025
The halls of the Warrenville-based IBEW Local 701 were buzzing with energy March 26, 2025, as young women gathered to explore career opportunities in the Union electrical industry. Organized by members of IBEW Local 701 Women’s Committee, the event – ‘We Bring the Power,’ was designed to introduce women to the possibilities within the Union electrical industry, which is an ever-growing field with lucrative career paths and to empower women in the electrical industry, reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in skilled trades.
DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy welcomed participants and delivered a powerful message about the importance of women stepping into the skilled trades. Conroy emphasized that while women remain underrepresented in electrical trades, the opportunities are vast and financially rewarding.
“Consider this,” she noted. “The average annual salary of a Union journeylevel residential electrician is roughly $85,000, and a Union journeylevel commercial electrician can earn $94,000 a year. That’s something to think about. I wish I would have known that a few years ago,” she said with a laugh.
All industry professionals at the “We Bring the Power” event showed they are committed to opening doors for women and welcoming them into well-paying, secure jobs. IBEW International Vice President 6th District Mike Clemmons discussed the significance of welcoming women into the industry. “This event tonight is about opportunity,” Clemmons explained. “It’s about showing women from all walks of life that they have a place in the Union electrical industry. The work we do is powerful, literally, but so is the impact we make when we create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.”
He acknowledged challenges still exist in diversifying the IBEW, but reaffirmed his Union’s commitment to progress. “While the federal government may be taking steps away from prioritizing diversity, I want to be absolutely clear: The IBEW is not. We embrace diversity, we welcome it, and we know that’s what makes us stronger,” Clemmons said. As a leader representing five states within the IBEW, Clemmons stressed that strength comes from inclusivity. “We welcome all who are ready to put in the work, learn the trade, and become part of our sisterhood and brotherhood. Breaking down barriers doesn’t happen overnight, but we’ve made tremendous progress. More women than ever before are wearing the tools, running projects, and leading our local Unions.” Clemmons stressed that Union electrical construction is a skilled profession and not defined by gender. “This trade isn’t just a man’s job; it’s a skilled professional’s job, and those skills have no gender,” he added.
As a founding member of the IBEW Local 701 Women’s Committee, Journeywoman Debbie Erbach told participants that Local 701 can support them on their journey in the Union electrical field. “Women should be allowed to be wherever they want to be, doing the job that they want to do,” Erbach said. She also emphasized the financial independence that careers in the Union electrical trade can offer women. “We should be able to make an income that allows us to buy a home, get a new car, go on vacation. It is really important we give these opportunities to everybody because we all deserve an opportunity like this.”
After introductions by industry professionals, participants toured Local 701’s Apprenticeship Training Center, where they were able to see the tools of the electrical trade, tour various classrooms and ask questions. DuPage County JATC Instructor Brian Pehlke stressed the importance of the attendees understanding that while a Union electrician’s career is rewarding, it is also demanding. “Be accustomed with early workdays, fast-paced environments, and sometimes physically tough conditions,” he explained. “The keys to success is all about showing up on time, showing initiative, being willing to learn, and not being afraid to ask questions.”
Instructors understand most Apprentices have little or no prior knowledge of electricity, but Pehlke said what is more important is attitude and effort, because those are qualities instructors can’t teach. “We’re here to teach you a curriculum that includes electrical theory, math, and practical training, with a focus on order of operation and problem-solving skills,” Pehlke explained.
To ensure Apprentices receive the most realistic and practical training, DuPage JATC has partnered with other trade Unions, including the Sprinkler Fitters Union. This collaboration mirrors the way different trades work together on real job sites. “In the field, we meet at the fire pump and sprinkler system—the sprinkler fitters install the system, and we have to monitor it,” Pehlke said. “So I thought, why not establish that relationship at the training level as well?”
The partnership resulted in a major equipment donation. The Sprinkler Fitters Union custom-built and donated a $10,000 fire pump trainer, known as a Total Pack. This system is crucial in fire suppression, as it fills sprinkler pipes with water in the event of a fire. “We plan to connect plumbing to the classroom so students can hook our fire alarm system to it and experience what it’s like when a sprinkler system activates—without actually getting everything wet,” Pehlke said. “It’s an exciting addition that enhances our training program.”
The fire alarm course is part of JATC’s structured learning model, where apprentices start with foundational skills in their early years and progress to more specialized training in later years. “It’s similar to a college structure,” Pehlke explained. “You complete general education in the first and second years, then move into specialized training in the third, fourth, and fifth years.” Pehlke’s enthusiasm for the new classroom and industry partnerships reflects DuPage JATC’s commitment to high-quality, hands-on education. As the electrical industry evolves, so too does the training that prepares the next generation of skilled electricians.
