Google.org Supports the electrical training ALLIANCE

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – On Monday, September 22nd, 2025, the electrical training ALLIANCE (etA) announced it is providing workforce training to electrical professionals and apprentices in Indiana, with $400,000 in funding from Google.org to three local Indiana electrical apprenticeship training partners: Electrical Training Institute of Indianapolis, Electrical JATC of Northern Indiana, and Fort Wayne Electrical JATC.

The etA—an organization created by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)—will use the funds to integrate AI tools into its curriculum and boost the number of apprentices in Indiana. It will also provide apprentices with access to Google’s AI Essentials course to master AI skills.

The initiative aims to create new electrician apprentices in Indiana over three years.

The funds will benefit Indiana Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees managed by the IBEW and NECA.

Google.org’s support will help local electrical apprenticeship training partners increase training capacity to support an additional 524 apprentices in Indiana by 2030, increasing the projected pipeline of new electricians in the state by 42%.This will bolster public and private efforts to address a shortage of electrical workers that may constrain America’s ability to build the infrastructure needed to support AI, advanced manufacturing and a shift to clean energy.

“The collaboration between Google and the electrical training ALLIANCE marks a major investment in America’s workforce, with several regions in Indiana helping to lead the charge. This funding expands access to apprenticeship training and strengthens the pipeline of new electricians across the state,” said Todd Stafford, Executive Director, etA. “But this effort is about more than numbers—it’s about equipping the skilled professionals needed to modernize the grid and make the most of our existing infrastructure. It’s a meaningful step forward that keeps the skilled trades at the heart of a resilient, future-ready workforce.”

“Google.org is proud to support the electrical training ALLIANCE in Indiana,” said Maab Ibrahim, Head of Economic Opportunity for the Americas, Google.org. “Supporting the skilled trades is vital for powering Indiana’s future, as demand surges for electricians, data centers, and clean energy. Through funding the electrical training ALLIANCE, we’re supporting the etA to build a robust workforce that will strengthen Indiana’s economy and technical infrastructure for years to come.”

Google.org’s funding for the electrical training ALLIANCE builds on its support of programs that aim to increase the capacity of the nation’s energy system to support the deployment of AI and help grow the American economy, create jobs, accelerate scientific advances and more. Earlier this year, Google released a new paper entitled Powering a New Era of American Innovation, which shares 15 policy opportunities to power a new era of American leadership. By unlocking advanced electricity resources and grid infrastructure, the US would enable all sources of electricity to contribute to a more reliable and affordable energy future greatly benefiting, and growing, the American economy.

For over a century, etA has been instrumental in shaping the electrical landscape of Indiana, building and powering our communities while prioritizing the workforce’s well-being. Today, it continues to drive innovation and foster a supportive work environment, leading to a resilient labor force.

For more information on how Google is building infrastructure for the 21st century, please visit: https://blog.google/inside-google/infrastructure/.

Supporting Quotes

“The Central Indiana Chapter NECA is very excited about this partnership with Google, the electrical training ALLIANCE, IBEW and NECA. It will tremendously boost our Fort Wayne and Indianapolis JATCs,” said Samuel Lacher, Chapter Manager, Central Indiana Chapter NECA. “By expanding first-year apprenticeship opportunities through the Apprenticeship Direct sub-funding initiative, we are able to open doors for more men and women to build careers in the electrical trade. Just as important, the focus on leadership development will ensure younger apprentices advance quickly into leadership roles and be fully prepared to lead large scale projects and teams with confidence and skill.”

“Google’s investment in Michigan City ensures local NECA members have an opportunity to keep our local workforce building this community and maintains the benefits of long-term growth rooted in our city for the near future and beyond,” said Matthew LaFree, Chapter Manager, Northern Indiana Chapter NECA.

“Thanks to Google’s generous support, more men and women in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Michigan City regions will have the opportunity to enter IBEW/NECA electrical apprenticeship programs. This investment not only creates family-sustaining career opportunities but also ensures a strong pipeline of highly skilled electricians prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing and growing industry,” said Ken Cooper, IBEW International President. “This initiative is about more than expanding training—it’s about equipping the IBEW/NECA workforce that will power America’s future, modernize critical energy systems, and strengthen communities across Indiana and beyond. Together, Google, IBEW, NECA, and the electrical training ALLIANCE are keeping the skilled trades at the heart of progress and positioning America for long-term growth and success.”