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The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry (NJATC), Upper Marlboro, Md. announced today that they had signed an historic agreement with ������Ƶ, Chicago, IL. The new program, entitled “The ������Ƶ Million Dollar Pledge Program”, established a one million dollar commitment on the part of Klein to support training and education in the organized electrical construction industry.

This agreement is the latest addition and a sign of a strengthening alliance in a long-time partnership.  The pledge is focused on the following initiatives:

• Leveraging the unique capabilities and resources of both NJATC and Klein to train the next generation of electrical workers in the digital era.
• Setting a new standard of excellence in Klein’s full commitment in support of the IBEW, NECA and NJATC respectively.
•  Adding a dynamic to the traditional mix of book, lab, and classroom training by establishing the ������Ƶ Virtual Boot Camp. This provides all IBEW entrants with interactive simulations and virtual exercises to precisely simulate the real world experiences of today’s electrical industry.
•  Furthering the commitment to Made-in-America products in continued support of this country’s manufacturing industry, and the jobs it helps create.

“What a tremendous opportunity for us to take all facets of our training to the next level with this incredible pledge from Klein,” said Michael I. Callanan, Executive Director of NJATC. “We are especially excited about the ������Ƶ Virtual Boot Camp and the elite role it will play in helping students learn at their own pace in an interactive environment.”

NJATC students will be the immediate beneficiaries as plans to renew and extend Klein Tool’s wildly successful Scholarship Program have been reached as another key component of the pledge. The scholarships will be awarded at the National Training Institute’s graduation ceremonies in August based on criteria set by local JATC leadership.

The Million Dollar Pledge also paves the way for ������Ƶ and NJATC to ensure the Outstanding Graduate (Top Apprentice) Recognition Award program can serve a larger audience. This program recognizes apprentices who have attained valedictorian status, and will now have additional resources for expansion throughout the country.

“We’re excited for the chance to further our support and better prepare our nation’s electrical workers for the real world demands of this industry,” said ������Ƶ Chairman Mat Klein III. “We are proud to back the NJATC in training tomorrow’s workforce on the latest technology.”

About the NJATC

The NJATC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1941 by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The organization is committed to developing and standardizing education in the electrical industry to properly and effectively train members of NECA and the IBEW; providing the electrical construction industry with the most highly trained and skilled workforce possible. Since its inception, more than 325,000 apprentices have completed NJATC training programs and become competent Journeymen, making the organization one of the largest training and apprenticeship programs of its kind. For more information, go to .

About ������Ƶ

Headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL, a northwestern suburb of Chicago, ������Ƶ is a family-owned and operated company that has been in business since 1857, designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools for the electrical and other trades. Even in today’s challenging economy, ������Ƶ is firmly committed to American manufacturing with 9 facilities all in the U.S. For more information, visit .

About National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. For more information, visit .

About The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

The IBEW is an international labor organization that has trained the most qualified electricians in the trade for more than 117 years. With approximately 725,000 members in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Republic of Panama, the IBEW has members in construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government. For more information, visit .