Welcome to Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake — the IEC chapter that covers Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, and the panhandle of West Virginia.
My name is Grant Shmelzer, and I have served as the CEO for IEC Chesapeake & IEC Chesapeake Apprenticeship & Training for nearly 30 years. I’ve had the pleasure of watching our organization grow to over 200 member companies representing more than 50,000 electrical professionals in the Mid-Atlantic.
In addition to being the chapter Executive Director, I serve on several state and national apprenticeship councils and coalitions, as well as state and county Workforce Development initiatives.
Independent Electrical Contractors or IEC exists as both a National organization and chapters across the country. IEC Chesapeake, or IECC, is one of the largest chapters, and chapters are where Contractor Members live.
IEC Chesapeake’s core mission, since 1982, is training. We offer a four-year electrical apprenticeship, leading to licensure as a Journeyworker, and a three-year Telecommunications Technician apprenticeship.
Our program apprentices are registered apprentices in multiple states (DE, DC, MD, VA, and WV).
IECC currently delivers multiple workforce development programs, including School to Apprenticeship (K-12) & Electrical and Low Voltage Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Maryland & Washington D.C., currently expanding into Virginia.
Additionally, we provide several Continuing Education programs, including NABCEP (Solar), NICET (Fire Alarm), NCSCB (Medium Voltage), and Code Classes to meet licensing requirements.
If you’d like to know even more about IEC Chesapeake, reach out to our Business Development team for a tour of our 30,000 sq foot headquarters in Laurel, Maryland!
Advancing the interests of the independent electrical contractor
Leading the way for over 40 years.
Since our founding in 1982, IEC Chesapeake has been the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier electrical and renewable energy contractor association and electrical apprenticeship program provider. Among the largest chapters of the National Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IEC), our members comprise more than 150 contractors and industry partners and represent over 10,000 men and women in all facets of the electrical industry.
Where education meets advocacy.
IEC Chesapeake’s strong infrastructure and the enduring relationships we’ve forged within the community allow us to provide advanced, hands-on education and additional resources to regional members throughout the DMV region. Our online program stretches globally and has included students from as far away as Germany. Teaching hundreds of electrical apprentices and licensed electricians each year and representing and advocating on behalf of our member companies, IEC Chesapeake is dedicated to educating, promoting, and advancing the electrical industry.
