The main objective of this research project was to develop a document outlining activities and resources critical to starting, operating, and assuring continuity of activities for NECA student chapters throughout the academic year, and to promote student engagement with tasks related to the electrical contracting business over the long run.

The report is divided into five main chapters focusing on:

– how chapter activities complement students’ academic progress and the development of important skills potentially desired by electrical contracting business.

– the results of a survey with 32 anonymous student chapter members who provided feedback on the structure, support, and current functioning of the NECA chapters.

– suggestions of potential research projects to be developed by students under supervision of chapter advisors and industry members.

– examples of research developed by undergraduate and graduate students involved in this project. The work developed by students focused mainly on energy efficiency in buildings and the use Lean principles to deliver energy efficient projects.

Important conclusions and recommendations include the identification of networking as important activity valued by students, concerns students have about recruitment, and the need to improve communication at the student chapters’ level so that students know the local and national resources available to them.