Port of Long Beach, IBEW Launch Program to Spark Electrical Careers for High School Seniors

The Port of Long Beach has partnered with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 11 to launch a new after-school training program, the Seniors to Electrical Program (STEP), designed to guide local high school seniors into electrical careers.

Approved by the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, STEP will offer 25 students advanced electrical training starting this fall. Successful participants will gain direct entry into the highly competitive IBEW apprenticeship program, which currently has a 4,500-person waitlist. The program is a collaboration with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and its nonprofit training partner, Big John Kares.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson praised the initiative, saying, "Long Beach is continuing to step up its game on workforce development by expanding economic opportunities throughout our city and connecting young people to transformative career opportunities." Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna added, "My fellow commissioners and I are proud to support the STEP Program to help ensure that the next generation of electrical workers building the Port of the Future will be local." The three-year contract with Big John Kares is valued at $453,000 and will provide over 240 hours of instruction. The program will also leverage a partnership with the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) to offer stipends and supportive services to students.

Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba highlighted the program's significance, stating, "This partnership is a major game-changer for the Port of Long Beach and the IBEW, offering life-changing career opportunities for local youth." He noted that electrical demands are expected to grow significantly as the Port works towards becoming the world’s first zero-emissions port. STEP builds on the success of Bright Path, a similar summer program launched in 2025. Port staff will conduct outreach for recruitment, with future evaluations potentially leading to an increased number of students served.