Our Mission
The Independent Electrical Contractors Foundation (IECF) funds grants, scholarships, and programs that contribute to the growth of the electrical systems & contracting industry and allows all students equal access to education, apprenticeship, and training.
Our Vision
IECF will help to advance the electrical systems & contracting industry and improve the quality of life in our communities and the world.
Our Purpose
Founded in 1996, the Independent Electrical Contractors Foundation is a 501c(3) (charitable) organization that supports education and training initiatives which prepare students for successful careers in the electrical systems & contracting industry.
Powering a Thriving Industry
Electrician job prospects and industry outlook according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), employment of electricians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by continued demand for wiring in homes and commercial buildings, as well as expansion in renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power.
About 81,000 openings for electricians are projected each year, on average, over the decade, largely due to the need to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
Most electricians begin their careers through a paid apprenticeship program, which typically lasts four to five years and combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (2024), there were more than 45,000 active electrician apprentices in 2023—making it one of the largest skilled-trade apprenticeship occupations in the country.
Apprentices earn while they learn, often starting at 40–50% of a licensed electrician’s wage, with pay increasing as their skills and experience grow. Upon completion, apprentices become journey-level electricians, qualified for full-time employment and career advancement opportunities.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
U.S. Department of Labor. (2024). Registered Apprenticeship Data Explorer. https://www.apprenticeship.gov/data
Median annual pay as of 2024
Median annual pay as of 2024
Electrician jobs as of 2024
Projected job growth from 2024-2034
(much faster than average for all occupations)
Programs
IECF provides grants, scholarships, disaster relief, and more to support electrical and systems contracting industry education, apprenticeship, and training programs.
Grants
The IEC Foundation awards grants to improve education, facilities, and programs contributing to the electrical industry workforce.
- The Home Depot Pro Xtra Grant
- The Home Depot Pro Xtra Chapter Development Grant
- The Equipment Grant Program
Scholarships and Funds
The IEC Foundation provides scholarships and disaster relief funds to support students, organizations, and individuals in the electrical industry.
- IECF Foundation Scholarship Fund
- IECF Foundation EmpowerHER Scholarship
- IEC Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
Community Service
The IEC Foundation supports local communities by initiating a service project during the annual IEC SPARK event. Our service projects include:
- Zoey’s Hands of Hope
- Toys for Tots
Powering the Future
The Powering the Future initiative presented by the IEC Foundation in partnership with Generac promotes and empowers students to pursue careers in electrical careers, skilled trades, and STEM education.
- K-12 National Student Challenge Program
- The IEC Foundation Toolkit Award Program
Apprenticeship
IECF-funded training provides a high-quality, career-focused education. This hands-on, skills-based training prepares individuals for rewarding and well-paying careers in the electrical trade, including:
Through IECF funding, aspiring electricians and technicians gain access to high-quality training opportunities. With the support of our industry partners, this training emphasizes hands-on learning using state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring apprentices develop the practical skills necessary for success in the field.
Apprentices consistently highlight the invaluable impact of this experience on their education and career readiness.
- Those seeking a stable and in-demand profession
- Veterans transitioning to civilian life
- Individuals looking to upskill or change careers
- Those who are unemployed or underemployed and seeking new opportunities
- People with disabilities pursuing meaningful and fulfilling work
- Women interested in advancing in nontraditional careers
- Those seeking an education in the electrical industry that can lead to a successful and fulfilling career
IEC apprentices graduate with the technical expertise, business knowledge, and leadership skills needed to thrive in the industry as skilled professionals, business owners, and industry leaders.
Student Spotlight & Success Stories
We are proud to celebrate the hard work and success of our students and apprentices.
Congratulations Joshua Shank!
We’re proud to celebrate Joshua Shank, a second-year apprentice at IEC Greater San Antonio and an IEC Foundation Scholarship recipient who continues to seize every opportunity.
After receiving support from the IEC Foundation, Joshua explored additional opportunities featured on our Scholarship Resource Page, which led to him earning two major awards: the Mike Rowe Works Scholarship—a prestigious award supporting individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades—and the Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship, which helps individuals gain the skills needed for high-demand careers.
Joshua’s initiative and dedication to his future career exemplify the mission of the IEC Foundation, and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next!
More About the IEC Foundation
The Independent Electrical Contractors Foundation (IECF) is a 501c(3) that funds grants, scholarships, and programs supporting the next generation of electrical contractors.
Get Involved
Donations help the IEC Foundation provide grant funding, scholarships, and state-of-the-art equipment to Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) training centers across the country. Apply for relevant programs or get in touch to learn more about partnering with the foundation.