About Us
What We Do
IBEW-NECA contractors provide state-of-the-art Sound & Communications services to commercial clients throughout Northern California. Our contractors install and maintain the latest technology.
Services include structured cabling; fiber optic cabling; network services; voice/data systems; AV systems; fire life safety systems; security systems; nurse call systems; CCTV; school intercom systems; master clock systems; WIFI and distributed antenna systems (DAS).
Who We Are
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) work to promote and assure the professionalism of the Sound & Communications industry in Northern California.
The Sound & Communications industry includes low voltage services such as voice, data, video, AV systems, fire alarm systems, security systems, nurse call systems, WIFI, wireless and distributed antenna systems (DAS).
To promote the industry, IBEW-NECA works through the Northern California Sound & Communications Labor Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC). IBEW-NECA contractors within the industry focus on Sound & Communications training of apprentices and installer technicians. They combine an experienced, skilled and trained work force with the highest standards of workplace safety and product knowledge.
IBEW-NECA also posts the Northern California Sound & Communications Contractor Directory, which offers information on IBEW-NECA Sound & Communication contractors in Northern California.
Why Hire An IBEW-NECA Contractor?
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 750,000 members. Founded in 1891, the IBEW is one of the oldest, largest and most respected unions in the world. IBEW-NECA offers the best-trained, safest and most experienced electrical workers in the country.
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the VOICE of the $100 billion industry responsible for lighting power and communication systems in buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national office and 120 local chapters advance the electrical contracting industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. NECA celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2001.
5 Reasons to Hire an IBEW-NECA Contractor
- IBEW-NECA contractors have a better trained workforce
- IBEW-NECA contractors have a better safety record
- IBEW-NECA contractors hire directly from the local community
- IBEW-NECA C10 contractors hire only certified workers
- IBEW-NECA contractors give back to the local community through various outreach programs
| Training Program | NECA-IBEW | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Structured performance based classroom and on-the-job training. | A 3 year program is the benchmark for all NECA-IBEW VDV workers. | Most never participate in a formal industry-based program. |
| VDV training for certification. | 450 hours in class and 4,800 hours on the job. | Some workers receive as little as 40 hours of training. |
| Skills upgrading for journeyman. | Classes to upgrade skills offered annually. | Reliable info not available. |
| Training for managers. | NJATC National Training Institute NECA Management Education Institute NECA Web-based learning |
Reliable info not available. |
| Safety training. | Mandatory OSHA, CPR and First-Aid training for apprentices. | Reliable info not available. |
| Commitment to training. | Nearly $2 million invested annually for Sound & Communication Workers. | Reliable info not available. |
History
Northern California is the nation’s largest Sound & Communications market. From a small beginning in the late 1980s, to the sustained growth of today, the Sound & Communications industry in Northern California generates billions of dollars each year and logs millions of man hours.
The Northern California market was estimated at $16.5 million in 1994, grew to $150 million in 1999, and then expanded to $250 million in 2000. Today, it is valued at over $1 billion.
The Sound & Communications industry got its start in Northern California in the 1980’s, when the telephone company breakup spawned new startup companies in the installation and service businesses. In 1987, IBEW Local 202 in Northern California became the first local to distinguish technical workers from inside wiremen and negotiate a regional contract.
In 1994 there were 300 Sound & Communication technicians. In 1999, there were 1,660 and today there are over 2,200 technicians. The number of participating IBEW NECA contractors has increased from 71 in 1994 to 130 today.