2026 NECA San Diego
Education Program
Industry Leading Education Program
NECA San Diego offers unparalleled education courses and workshops, ensuring that our members remain the leading providers of electrical construction services in San Diego and Imperial Counties. In addition to our extensive and localized education offerings, members have access to a variety of in-demand conferences, trainings and resources offered exclusively through NECA National.
We are excited to share the 2026 education catalog, featuring a variety of courses designed to support you and your teams. By collaborating with an ever-growing network of highly qualified industry professionals, we deliver these programs both in-person and virtually. From lunch and learns to comprehensive classes and seminars, there’s something for everyone. Classes & Trainings are scheduled based on demand and determined by the NECA Education Committee.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN NECA LEARNING CENTER
The NECA San Diego online education classes offer convenient and flexible learning opportunities, providing industry professionals with valuable skills and certifications that can enhance their careers and keep them competitive in the ever-evolving electrical contracting field.
The NECA National Learning Center offers a wide variety of online, instructor-led led, and state continuing education unit-bearing courses, along with a wide range of on-demand online training classes on topics ranging from writing for business to Microsoft Office to project management.
The NECA San Diego Chapter is proud to participate in ELECTRI International. Through our involvement on the ELECTRI Council, our members gain access to exclusive resources, including:
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Industry-leading research and interactive reports
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Council Room sessions covering a wide range of timely industry topics
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IT, ConTech, and Service & Coffee webinar series
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ELECTRI’s AI Tool List
Additional resources are available for the industry, including:
2026 Courses
THURSDAY
March 12, 2026
from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Martyn Dodd
EnergySoft
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Title 24 - 2025 Update
The 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24 Energy Code) introduce updates that advance energy performance requirements for new construction, as well as additions and alterations to residential and non-residential buildings. Martyn Dodd of Energy Soft, in collaboration with SDG&E’s Codes and Standards , will lead this training session focused on how the 2025 Title 24 Standards impact NECA electrical trade professionals. The program will also feature lighting solutions experts from Leviton and San Diego Lighting Associates, providing practical insights into compliant lighting control technologies.
Participants will gain:
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A high-level overview of all 2025 Title 24 requirements
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An understanding of how the code is applied in real-world projects
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Insight into current lighting control solutions that support compliance
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An in-depth review of key energy code requirements
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A clear explanation of sequences of operation
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An opportunity to ask questions and engage with industry experts
Continuing Education Hours: 3 Hours
THURSDAY
March 19, 2026
from 7:30am - 3:30pm
INSTRUCTOR
David Manderson
NECA National
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Field Leadership Essentials
Field leaders are on the front line of every electrical contractor’s success and the success
of the industry. NECA’s Field Leadership Essentials program is an intensive, one-day
learning experience designed to enhance the leadership skills of new and up-and-coming
field leaders by providing the “must-know” topics for field leaders in the electrical
contracting industry.
Following this class, participants will be able to:
Learn how to better support crews and increase their productivity
Learn how ineffective tool and material management can impact your business and
discover related strategies to improve your profitability
Gain insight into a step-by-step process to make better decisions under pressure
Continuing Education Hours: 8 Hours
THURSDAY
April 9, 2026
from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
April McCall
AMAC Digital Solutions
LOCATION
Virtual
Bluebeam Tips & Tricks
Take your Revu Markup activities to the next level with Tips & Tricks on customizing
standard Revu markups, sharing several ways you can change and organize markups in
your project documents, and did you know that you can leave a reply on a Markup and
even design your own custom line styles? Learn how to create and edit markups of
various shapes, add control points and leaders, reorder and group markups, snapshot
regular and non-rectangular markups, label them, create custom line styles, and apply
markups to various pages.
New features to include: Multiply Markups, Customize Captions with Markup List Data,
and Expanded Markups for Guest Collaborators.
Continuing Education Hours: 3 Hours
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
April 15-16, 2026
from 8:00am - 2:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Chris Carr
Dynaimix
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Introduction to AI (101)
Unlock the Power of AI to Transform Your Electrical Contracting Business. This dynamic 3 day workshop is tailored specifically for electrical contractors, project managers, estimators, dispatchers, and office professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve with artificial intelligence. "Introduction to AI" provides a hands-on, practical exploration of how today's cutting-edge AI tools—like ChatGPT, Google’s Notebook LM, Gamma, and more—can streamline operations, increase productivity, and enhance everyday workflows in the electrical industry. Through a mix of lectures, live demonstrations, and interactive exercises, participants will:
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Learn how AI is revolutionizing the electrical contracting industry.
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Build a personalized AI assistant using ChatGPT to manage tasks, emails, and
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documentation.
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Transform handwritten notes into dynamic, digital action plans.
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Design AI-generated presentations and images to elevate communication and branding.
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Master the ChatGPT Projects interface for organized, collaborative workspaces.
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Explore safe, ethical, and effective AI implementation practices.
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Build and customize GPTs tailored to specific roles and departments.
Capstone exercises and deep research projects give attendees the opportunity to apply their new skills in real-world scenarios, helping to turn AI potential into real business value. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to AI, this immersive training equips you with the knowledge and tools to confidently integrate artificial intelligence into your daily operations.
Cost: $250 per person
Continuing Education Hours: 12 Hours
THURSDAY
April 23, 2026
from 1:00pm - 3:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Pam Scholefield
Onsite Pro Development
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Maximize Financial Success with the NECA Subcontractor Contract & Collections Handbook
The NECA California Chapters’ Subcontractor Contract & Collections Handbook is a powerful resource, but its depth and detail can make it challenging to fully utilize. This class breaks the Handbook down into practical, easy-to-apply guidance to help you maximize success with collections, change orders, and claims. Attendees will learn key timelines, requirements, and best practices—along with the important differences and similarities among private, public, and federal projects. The course will also demonstrate how to integrate the Handbook’s sample forms into your company’s everyday processes to efficiently protect payment rights and provide proper notice for changes in cost and time.
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
April 27-29, 2026
from 7:30am - 3:30pm
INSTRUCTOR
Matthew Firestone
Firestone Consulting Group
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction
Small mistakes in an estimate can have a huge impact on your bid's bottom line and this course provides the tools needed to be both comprehensive and competitive. This course will discuss the process for assembling an estimate including: developing material lists, applying labor unit data, material takeoff, and application of direct job costs, overhead, and profit.
Following this class, participants will be able to:
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List types of mistakes when estimating electrical construction projects and how to avoid them
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Describe the parts of an estimate
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Explain the importance of establishing the true cost of a project
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Develop an estimate to provide job management information
Continuing Education Hours: 24 Hours
TUESDAY
May 5, 2026
from 8:00am - 9:00am
INSTRUCTOR
David Manderson
NECA National
LOCATION
Virtual
VitalCog Suicide Prevention
This interactive one-hour training is specifically designed for the construction industry,
which faces one of the highest suicide rates across all sectors. Acknowledging the unique pressures of construction work, the session emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and equips participants to take an active role in suicide prevention.
By the end of this session through impactful videos, group discussions, and practical
exercises, attendees will be able to :
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Gain awareness of mental health challenges in construction
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Recognize suicide warning signs and risk factors
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Build confidence in engaging in supportive conversations
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Be equipped to help create a safer, more open workplace culture
WEDNESDAY
May 13, 2026
from 7:30am - 3:30pm
INSTRUCTOR
Michael Johnston Roadrunner Technical Services LLC
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Applied Grounding and Bonding
Understanding grounding and bonding concepts, as outlined in the National Electrical
Code (NEC), is crucial for professionals in the electrical industry. These concepts ensure
safe electrical systems. This class reviews the basics of grounding and bonding, including definitions, functions, and applicable NEC rules. Topics covered will include grounding electrodes, grounding electrode conductors, equipment grounding conductors, bonding, bonding jumpers, and sizing rules. The course is based on the Applied Electrical Grounding and Bonding textbook and curriculum from the Electrical Training Alliance.
What you will learn:
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Understand grounding and bonding concepts and techniques
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Have knowledge and understanding of safety circuit elements & NEC requirements
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Grounding and bonding components
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Sizing and installation rules
Continuing Education Hours: 8 Hours
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
June 3-4, 2026
from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
April McCall
AMAC Digital Solutions
LOCATION
Virtual
Bluebeam Takeoffs and Estimations
MasterTakeoffs and Estimations with this comprehensive course to boost your workflow efficiency and accuracy. Learn to use the Quantity Takeoff Profile in Revu, calibrate documents for precise measurements, and utilize advanced measurement tools. Discover how to track data in the Markups List, create custom columns for material and labor costs, and export data for analysis. Use visual search for counting and organize Summary Reports effectively. Apply industry-specific techniques to optimize your workflows and enhance project management.
Cost: $125 per person
Continuing Education Hours: 6 Hours
WEDNESDAY
June 10, 2026
from 7:30am - 11:30pm
INSTRUCTOR
Stephane McShane
Maxim Consulting Group
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Building Blocks of the Successful Contractor
During this session, we will discuss the foundational pieces of best-in-class contractors
that allow organizations to grow profitably while deploying the proper tools to minimize
the risk associated with growth. Attendees will learn the basics of strategy development, business development, leadership development, business process re-engineering, project execution, prefabrication, and technology strategy providing a holistic view of the elements of “best in class” contractors. The “Building Blocks” model will be reviewed in detail and will be built upon throughout the entire program. This education class is intended only for NECA Contractors/Executive Members.
What you will learn:
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Discuss the definition of strategy in setting the future path of an organization
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Outline effective structure by depicting current organizational structure contrasted
with tomorrow’s needs for success of strategy -
Clarify the need for strong, defined systems and processes along with employee
engagement principles to allow staff to learn and grow appropriately in order to fill both the current and future needs of the organization
Cost: $75 per person
TUESDAYS (8-WEEK CLASS)
June 23 - August 11, 2026
from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Bob Riel
Riel Consulting LLC
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Project Engineering Part 2
Project Engineers are technical leaders who ensure site work meets plans, contracts,
budgets, and deadlines—overseeing RFIs, daily reports, and submittals. The course helps bridge the gap for those advancing toward Project Management or seeking a deeper understanding of Project Engineering.
Participants will learn:
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Intro to scheduling
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Duration and calendars
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Relationship types
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What is float and how is it calculated?
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What are costs?
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Tracking productivity with (or without) a schedule
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Estimating change orders
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The schedule and change orders
Cost: $195 per person
Continuing Education Hours: 24 Hours
THURSDAY
June 25, 2026
from 8:00am - 12:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Stephane McShane
Maxim Consulting Group
LOCATION
Virtual
Scaling Up
The keys to scale up your business are attracting and retaining the right people, creating a truly differentiated strategy, directing flawless execution, and keeping cash reserves to weather the storms. Many contractors struggle with growth and breaking the barriers of a $10M, $50M or $100M Company. Fortunately, there are some very predictable barriers that companies will face. Having first-hand knowledge of these barriers, participants will be exposed to “what to expect” at various revenue sizes and “what to do” to overcome the challenges and remain profitable. The focus of the program will be in four critical areas of the business - namely People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash. This education class is intended only for NECA Contractors/Executive Members.
Learning Objectives
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Recruitment strategy and finding A Players
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Defining and executing a truly differentiated strategy
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How to drive flawless execution
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Finance mechanisms to weather the storm
Cost: $75 per person
THURSDAY
July 9, 2026
from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Cedric Kennedy
Rivet
LOCATION
Virtual
Labor Operations Master Class
This course teaches attendees how to improve labor planning, forecasting, and productivity using proven strategies from top MEP contractors. Participants learn the labor planning lifecycle, how to identify and reduce job saturation and compression, and apply practical frameworks for alignment, forecasting, and labor exit strategies to prevent profit fade.
THURSDAY
July 16, 2026
from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Michael Rizza
Rizza Engineering
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
An Advanced Primer to Power Systems Study
This class presents a general overview of the major components of a Power System
Study:
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Short Circuit Analysis
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Selective Coordination
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Arc Flash Analysis
We will explore how they each contribute to a reliable electrical distribution system, the
importance of each, and the safety aspects of each, and we will also take a deeper look
into the Selective Coordination of OCPDs and how that relates to turning those circuit
breaker dials in the field!
Following this course, participants will learn:
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Your part in the engineer performing a study
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How equipment selection takes place
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What to look for in a finished study
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How to read a TCC
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Implementing breaker settings
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Arc Flash Labels and PPE
Continuing Education Hours: 3 Hours
WEDNESDAY
July 29, 2026
from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Jay Levy
Main Electric Supply
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
In Building Public Safety Communication Systems
This seminar provides an overview of In-Building Public Safety Systems, also known as ERRCES, BDA, and DAS. Participants will learn the fundamental components of these systems and review key code requirements, including California Fire Code (CFC) Section 510, NFPA 72, and the differences between NFPA 1221 and NFPA 1225. Emphasis is placed on understanding code requirements early in the project lifecycle to help avoid delays, reduce costs, and improve overall project efficiency.
Intended Audience: Project Managers and Estimators
WEDNESDAY
August 26, 2026
from 8:00am - 12:00pm
INSTRUCTOR
Paul Stout
Power Summit
LOCATION
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Change Orders and Claims
This session leads participants through conventional change order and claims processes. Students will be encouraged to think through ways to manage their own change order systems better while considering common sense dispute resolution strategies. The workshop will focus on three important principles:
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Identifying, processing, and getting paid for change orders
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Avoiding disputes before they start
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Resolving disputes before they escalate
Continuing Education Hours: 4 Hours
THURSDAY
September 10, 2026
from 7:30am - 3:30pm
INSTRUCTOR
Michael Johnston Roadrunner Technical Services LLC
LOCATION
NFPA 70E / B - Electrical Safety in the Workplace
This course covers electrical safety in the workplace as outlined in the NFPA 70E and 70B standards. It emphasizes the shared responsibility of employers and employees for
compliance, focusing on recent revisions that prioritize hazard elimination. Topics
include the hierarchy of risk controls, risk assessments, human performance factors, and determining when energized work is justified. The course also covers lockout/tagout procedures, Arc Flash PPE selection, and required training and documentation. Attendees will gain essential knowledge and confidence in applying NFPA 70E and 70 B standards to ensure workplace safety.
Continuing Education Hours: 8 Hours
In-Person at ETI (4675 Viewridge Ave. San Diego, CA 92123)
Questions?
For all inquiries or questions related to education, contact the Education / Marketing Specialist, Ofelia Hernandez at ohernandez@necasandiego.org.