The Reel Advantage - Episode 4

In this episode of The Reel Advantage, the podcast hits the road at NECA 2026 as Anna Wright, VP of Marketing and Communications, and Jon Compher, National Account Manager – Industrial & Construction, sit down with David Long, CEO of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), to discuss how NECA has evolved to meet the challenges of the electrical industry over the last 125 years, the association’s new focus on innovative learning, and Prysmian’s merger with Atkore. 

NECA Then and Now 

125 years ago, NECA was founded in New York to help contractors connect and learn, recognizing that they were better collectively than individually. 

Now, the association has morphed into more than that. It includes divisions across functions such as education, legal, advocacy, codes and standards, safety, and more. 

The organization's training arm is its most important part. NECA trains over 100,000 people a year in over 300 training centers across America with a focus on bringing new technology and products to the forefront and helping contractors improve every day. 

“No matter what level of an electrical worker you are in our industry, we want to be a part of that to make you successful personally or professionally,” said Long. 

According to the Department of Labor, over 80,000 new people need to enter the electrical industry workforce every year for the next eight years, which makes NECA’s mission of education more important than ever. 

“AI and data centers get a lot of headlines, but with the aging transmission systems in America, we’re going to have to rebuild the grid. We’ve got to ramp up like never before,” said Long.

Going forward, NECA will keep its focus on recruiting the right people, placing them in the right roles, and developing talent across the association. 

Partnership Rooted in Innovation 

Recently, NECA made headlines with its continued partnership with big tech companies. Together, customers have helped fund NECA’s education and training efforts, including technology in the association’s programs, better understanding AI, and workforce training. 

“The tech companies have allowed us to be innovative like never before,” said Long. “If we come up with a thought, idea, or dream, they can help us get there. They have caused us to think differently about training, and that’s a beautiful thing.” 

This innovative approach to education has allowed NECA to tap into the mindset of the generation entering the workforce and adopt a mindset of innovation. 

Prysmian | Atkore

With the recent acquisition of Atkore, Prysmian is continuing on its journey to become a full electrical solutions provider in the industry. 

“It’s a win for our contractors,” said Long. “Both companies are working on reducing labor inefficiencies, helping us work smarter, not harder.” 

Combining Prysmian’s extensive wire and cable portfolio with Atkore’s quality products and strong legacy brands allows the company to bring an unmatched portfolio of products, solutions, and services to customers.

Learn more about The Reel Advantage and listen to every episode at bit.ly/TheReelAdvantagePodcast, or stream on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.