Training Programs Making a Positive Impact on the Industry

Our vision, values, and why statements live at the core of who we are at Interstates. They help guide our choices and build our company culture, from our vision of Understanding Needs and Delivering Results to our values of dependability, trust, integrity, quality, and family. One of our why statements—Providing Opportunities for Our People—is a key driver behind our training programs. We want our people to grow and find a career that fits them.  

Take a look at how we’re developing talent, starting with one of the most critical needs in our industry: electricians.   

Electrical Apprenticeship 

Our Electrical Apprenticeship program has been a cornerstone of Interstates since 2002, combining hands-on experience with classroom instruction over the course of 3-4 years. Designed to prepare apprentices for the journeyman electrical licensing exam, the program creates a clear path into a high-demand, high-impact career field.  

With nearly 500 graduates and more than 200 active apprentices, the program has launched careers across the company—from electricians in the field to leadership roles like foremen and superintendents, as well as opportunities in offices such as VDC design and project coordination.  

Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining real-world experience alongside classroom education and college credits. As a Department of Labor-approved and Veterans Affairs-certified program, participants can also take advantage of GI Bill education benefits. Throughout the program, apprentices are supported by mentors who help guide their development and long-term career path.   

While the program continues to grow, it’s also helping address a much larger challenge facing the entire industry.  

The demand for skilled electricians continues to outpace the available workforce, and that gap is already showing up on job sites. According to Kent Heronimus, Interstates’ Technical Training Manager, companies across the industry are often competing for the same skilled workers, making hiring more challenging and increasing pressure on existing teams.  

This shortage also impacts how quickly new team members can get up to speed. With experienced team members stretched thin, there’s less time available for onboarding and training. At the same time, leaders on job sites are balancing both project execution and the responsibility of developing the next generation of electricians.  

To address this, Interstates’ apprenticeship programs are designed as long-term investments rather than quick fixes. While it takes several years for apprentices to complete the program, the impact compounds over time. Graduates bring multiple years of hands-on Interstates experience, understand the company’s safety and culture expectations, and tend to stay longer—helping reduce reliance on hiring already-limited journeyman electricians.  

Looking ahead, the future of the electrical workforce will likely include more entry points into the trade. High school students, trade school graduates, and career changers are all expected to play a role in meeting demand. Structured training programs, clearer development paths, and increased visibility into career progression will also be critical to attracting and retaining talent in the industry.  

Just as important, successful electricians don’t come from one specific background. “People who are willing to learn and put in a full day’s work will always have a place in the trades,” says Travis Andersen, Lead Technical Instructor at Interstates.  

That includes individuals making unexpected career changes. One recent apprentice joined Interstates after working as a chef, with no prior electrical experience. After completing the apprenticeship program, he is now preparing for his journeyman exam and has already stepped into leadership roles on job sites. His path reflects a broader reality: with the right mindset and training, the electrical trade offers meaningful, long-term career opportunities for a wide range of people.  

While electrical roles are at the center of this need, they’re not the only path. As the industry evolves, new opportunities are emerging that combine electrical knowledge with technology and design.  

Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship

This 18-month program supports our prefabrication and panel shop teams by offering a mix of hands-on training and classroom instruction. Participants can begin as early as age 16 and progress from Production Apprentice I to Production Technician II. The program is Department of Labor-approved and was developed in partnership with local high schools and Northwest Iowa Community College.  

VDC Designer Apprenticeship

For those interested in combining technology and construction, our VDC Designer Apprenticeship offers a unique pathway into virtual design and construction. This four-year program blends electrical systems knowledge with advanced design skills through a partnership with IMAGINiT and our Electrical Apprenticeship program.  

Apprentices gain experience in technical document review, developing design concepts, and working with electrical systems in a digital environment. This combination of field knowledge and design expertise equips them to contribute to projects in new and innovative ways.  

Upon completion, apprentices graduate as VDC Designers, prepared to support project teams through detailed modeling, coordination, and design. Like our Electrical Apprenticeship, this program is Department of Labor-approved and Veterans Affairs-certified, providing accessibility for veterans and a recognized pathway into the industry.  

As construction continues to evolve with technology, the VDC Designer Apprenticeship helps build a workforce that can bridge the gap between design and execution.  

Additional Apprenticeship Opportunities 

In addition to our Electrical and VDC Designer Apprenticeships, Interstates has developed three other programs to support workforce development across our business. While applications for these programs are not currently open, they reflect our continued investment in building career pathways in the industry.  

Whether starting in the field, transitioning from another career, or exploring opportunities in design and technology, these programs are designed to meet people where they are—and help build the workforce our industry depends on for the future.

This article was originally published on October 11, 2023, and updated on April 27, 2026