EC&M On Air

Creative Solutions to Workforce Shortage Crippling the Construction Industry: Part 2

In Episode 42, we're back with Part 2 of our discussion with Rosendin's CEO Emeritus Mike Greenawalt and Edward Cota with Arizona's Department of Education and chief strategy officer and chairman of the Arizona Education Economic Commission. In today's section, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson continues this fascinating discussion with more information on how construction leaders can benefit from public-private partnerships like this, how to develop similar models to teach in middle schools and high schools, and how to help shift the perception of the skilled trades in not only students’ minds but also their parents. They also cover ways they’re thinking outside the box by harnessing an immersive technological experience to attract kids and create greater interest in a career in the electrical field.

And in case you missed Part 1 of our conversation, you can listen to it here. 

 

 

EC&M On Air Highlights Terms to Know from the NEC, Part 2

In Episode 41, we're highlighting Part 2 of Electrical Trainer Harold De Loach's explanation of Art. 100 definitions from the 2024 NEC, which originally ran as a video but is presented in this podcast in an audio-only format. This discussion centers around additional terms every electrician needs to know, including authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), how to recognize key definitions when they’re formed in a question on an electrical exam,  and the difference between bonding and grounding. 

 

 

Creative Solutions to Workforce Shortage Crippling the Construction Industry: Part 1

In Episode 40, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses solutions to the nation's ongoing construction workforce shortage with Rosendin's CEO Emeritus Mike Greenawalt and Edward Cota with Arizona's Department of Education and chief strategy officer and chairman of the Arizona Education Economic Commission (AEEC). They discuss the new, groundbreaking partnership between Rosendin and Arizona state educators; background of the pre-apprenticeship program created for Grand Canyon University (GCU); and how it works hand in hand with the AEEC. We also dive into Mike's background as a C student to apprenticeship to head of a $3-billion electrical contracting company.

EC&M On Air Highlights Important Terms from the NEC, Part 1

In Episode 39 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only format. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Harold De Loach, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about which definitions in the National Electrical Code should be mastered first, including technical terms and how to apply them in real-world applications; what specific language can be confusing and why; and what terms every electrical apprentice should have a basic understanding of in order to be successful. He also go over best practices for navigating the Code book most effectively.  

AI Insights in the Electrical Construction Industry

In Episode 38, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson talks with a panel of experts to deconstruct trends in the electrical construction industry surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). We cover how this technology is already being used in the industry, what areas are in development that may maximize productivity, big things to watch going forward, and why — despite many people's fears — this technology isn't going to take your job anytime soon. 

Our experts include:

• John Guilfoyle, chief of technology and innovation, Stanley Consultants
• Josh Gillespie, director of BIM/VDC, Interstates
• Dustin Schafer, chief technology officer, Henderson Engineers
• Aaron Szymanski, Chief Product Officer (CPO), Augmenta

To learn more about AI in the electrical construction industry, read the full report by Tim Kridel. 

EC&M On Air Highlights Listing Requirements for Electrical Equipment with Eddie Guidry

In Episode 37 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Eddie Guidry, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about listing requirements for code compliance with electrical equipment. The main question is must all electrical items be listed, NRTL listed (which is a nationally recognized testing laboratory), or UL listed to be NEC and OSHA compliant? Eddie breaks down those questions and provides practical answers. He also discusses some of the errors made in language when it comes to specifications on electrical equipment, why there are no “blanket” requirements, examples from the field, and common misconceptions in this area. 

2024 Construction Market Forecast

In Episode 36 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, sits down with friend, long-time colleague, and resident construction industry data expert Jim Lucy to talk about what to watch in the construction market this year. Jim is the editor-in-chief of Electrical Wholesaling magazine, a sister publication to EC&M, as well as the editor of Electrical Marketing newsletter. They discuss industry trends across a variety of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, renewables, institutional, and more. Additionally, Jim shares insights into some of the hottest local markets for electrical professionals. 

Jim's full 2024 market report appeared in the December 2023 print issue of EC&M, which you can read here. 

EC&M On Air Highlights When to Replace Arc Flash Study Stickers

In Episode 35 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights, and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights a past popular video featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott in this audio-only format. Tommy addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about all things arc flash, including the common concern over how to deal instances when the arc flash study and posted stickers are out of date, how to ensure an electrically safe work condition, arc flash incident energy considerations, the difference between arc flash hazard and arc blast hazard, and what you can do to determine the arc flash hazard for DC systems and battery banks. 

Industry Trends with EC&M’s 2023 Top 50 Executives

In Episode 34 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson meets with some of the top execs from this year’s Top 50 Electrical Contractors special report: Willis Wiedel, Encore Electric; Rob Smith, Sargent Electric; and John Axelson, Hunt Electric. They cover hot button topics, such as how their firms have navigated supply chain challenges, rising material prices, inflation, and worker shortages; what new revenue streams have emerged; how they’ve positioned their companies for growth going forward; and what they believe are the big things to watch in the market moving into 2024 and beyond.  

EC&M On Air Podcast Highlights PPE Requirements & Disconnect Switches with Randy Barnett

In Episode 34 “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about PPE requirements and disconnect switches, including whether or not you must wear electrical PPE to operate a disconnect switch, applicable NFPA 70E tables, the probability of an arc flash, and what you need to do to be safe when working on this equipment.