10 skilled electrical apprentices from across the U.S. face off for their share of $70,000 in the
eighth airing of the IDEAL® National Championship
SYCAMORE, IL – The high-energy 2023 IDEAL® National Championship, showcasing
the skills and talent of top electricians, will air exclusively on the CBS Sports Network on Dec.
8, 2023, at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time. This year’s electrical championship drew 10
apprentices from across the nation to Tampa, Fla. on Oct. 27, 2023. Challengers learned on the
spot about two electrical installation projects to complete for the chance to win $70,000 in cash
prizes from IDEAL Electrical™ – a leading manufacturer of tools and supplies for professional
electricians.
The broadcast features the most grueling and exhilarating moments from the IDEAL
National Championship, which is part of the annual Elite Trade Championship Series. Viewers
will watch as the field of 10 competitors narrows to five then one through two projects themed,
“Smart Outdoor Oasis.” The global smart home market size is projected to grow to $163.7
billion by 2028.
Commentating onsite and during the broadcast are PBS’s Scott Caron and HGTV star
Chip Wade. Electrical apprentices were judged on how accurately they completed the challenges
to the current National Electrical Code ® (NEC)/NFPA 70 ® Code, and on their workmanship.
The installation challenges were judged by master electricians and preeminent electrical leaders
from North America.
Established in 2016, the IDEAL National Championship celebrates and honors the
electrical trade. This effort remains a priority for IDEAL Electrical as part of its commitment to
support the electrical trade, attract students and apprentices into the field, and provide engaging
training opportunities. Over 400 trade school students joined the IDEAL National Championship
audience to root for their favorite apprentice competitors in person.
For the electrical trade in particular, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand
for electricians to outpace average occupations, with a 6 percent projected growth rate in
openings by 2032. It’s estimated that more than 1 million electricians will be needed through the
next decade to help meet the country’s electrification goals.
“Entering the electrical trade not only provides job security and an excellent living, but I
can’t overstate how much we, as a society, need electricians,” said Carmen Cardillo, GM IDEAL
Electrical, North America. “This year’s National Championship put electrical apprentices front
and center and shows how much they’re learning on the job from the master electricians guiding
them every day. Watching early trade school students and former national champions cheering
for the apprentice competitors highlights how the skills and successes of this work are shared
through every phase of this career.”
For more information on the championship, visit idealind.com.
