Leading the charge in workforce development & mission critical training
For those following national trends in economic development and construction, the industry’s explosive growth comes as no surprise. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, “the industry will need to bring in nearly 454,000 new workers on top of normal hiring to meet industry demands, and that’s presuming that construction spending growth slows significantly this year [2025].” As experienced workers near retirement, the industry faces a looming generational gap, with not enough younger professionals entering the trades to fill the void. Specialty contractors are feeling the pressure too — particularly in electrical work, where employment is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average.
Ace Electric is answering this challenge with strategy, investment and innovation. Understanding the critical need for a sustainable workforce pipeline, Ace has committed to a holistic approach to workforce development. Their mission is clear: To Identify, Hire, Train and Retain the Very Best People. This mission is the driving force behind their robust training initiatives, leadership development programs and growing focus on the future of mission critical construction.
Investing in people and safety from day one
At the core of Ace Electric’s workforce strategy is a commitment to safety. Before any new hire sets foot on a jobsite, they participate in NESO-40 — a 40-hour New Employee Safety Orientation at Ace University, the company’s Training and Career Development Center in Valdosta, Georgia. This immersive program introduces new hires to the Ace Culture, safety expectations and standards through hands-on training in OSHA 10, NFPA 70E, First Aid/CPR, mobile work platforms and essential jobsite protocols. But NESO-40 is about more than safety compliance — it lays the foundation for career growth, accountability and trust.
After NESO-40, employees can access a progressive career pathway built around continuous learning. The ProStart program introduces new electrical helpers to foundational skills in safety, materials and tools. From there, the Apprentice Program, based on Mike Holt’s curriculum and the National Electrical Code, combines on-the-job experience with formal instruction over four years — available to all employees.
For those who aspire to be a leader in the company, Ace’s Foreman Training equips future leaders to plan efficiently, manage diverse teams and inspire excellence. Training Manager Greg Terry explains, “Foreman training guides our future leaders to learn about diverse cultural backgrounds and essential communication that motivates teams to confidently produce quality work, all while adhering to schedule requirements.”
Expanding influence: Transformer conference and mission critical training
In addition to formal training pathways, Ace Electric has amplified its investment in people through mentorship and leadership development. In 2024, Ace launched Transformer, its first internal leadership conference. Transformer brings together leaders from across the company to build connections, share best practices and deepen their understanding of Ace’s strategic direction. The conference focuses on cultivating a culture of accountability, operational excellence and servant leadership — key attributes for the next generation of construction leaders.
Ace is also preparing its workforce for one of the most demanding and fast-growing sectors in the industry: mission critical construction. These projects — including data centers, hospitals and telecom facilities — require a specialized mindset and elite-level execution. To meet this demand, Ace University has rolled out Mission Critical Task Training tailored to the specific systems and standards required in these high-stakes environments. From installing bus duct and cable trays to understanding the redundancy and scalability required for essential infrastructure, this training ensures that Ace’s teams are not only capable — but exceptional.
Culture that retains and refers
One of the most impactful outcomes of NESO-40 and Ace’s employee-centric approach has been a dramatic increase in employee referrals. On average, Ace receives 15-20 referrals per week — many from team members inspired by the company’s safety culture and career support. Recruiting Manager Israel Cortez notes, “When recruiting electricians, it is not only about the electrical skillset, but just as much about their work ethic and reputation. After they experience our safety orientation, they appreciate our culture and recommend quality people.” Since NESO-40’s inception in November 2023, approximately 100 new hires have joined Ace through referrals alone.
A recent Top Helper in Statesboro shared, “I love the fact that the company cares about me returning home to my family, and I would recommend any peer to look into working for Ace.”
Measurable results and a promising future
In September 2023, Ace Electric opened its newly expanded Ace University facility, reflecting a significant investment in training infrastructure. Less than a year later, results have proven the value of this proactive approach:
- 17% increase in Apprentice Program participation
- 100% increase in Foreman Training interest
- 30% decrease in employee turnover
- 17% reduction in the Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR), despite a 39% increase in manhours worked
These numbers show that when a company invests in its people, performance improves across the board — from safety outcomes to retention and leadership readiness.
Leading the industry forward
Rob Stalvey, president of corporate support, sums it up: “This proactive investment will only improve employee interest and retention, fulfilling our mission to Identify, Hire, Train and Retain the Very Best People. We are proud of our Ace University team for fulfilling our vision of putting safety first and creating an atmosphere that encourages career growth.”
With a strong foundation in training, a forward-thinking approach to leadership development, and targeted mission critical preparation, Ace Electric is not just reacting to industry trends — they’re shaping the future of electrical construction.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
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