Rowan University and the electrical training ALLIANCE launch online pathway from apprenticeship to degree

Rowan University and the electrical training ALLIIANCE (etA) commemorated a new partnership with a ceremonial signing ceremony on February 17 at the etA’s regional conference in Clearwater, Florida. The partnership aligns etA’s apprenticeship training with Rowan’s, fully online Construction Management programs, expanding access to flexible, affordable and career-focused education and giving union electricians a seamless path from the field to a university degree.  

“This partnership reflects Rowan’s commitment to workforce-aligned education that removes barriers and values real-world learning,” said Dave Coyner, vice president for Academic Innovation & Online Partnerships at Rowan. “By recognizing etA’s coursework, we’re making degree completion more accessible and efficient for working professionals.” 

The partnership, endorsed by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), recognizes the training completed through etA’s Inside Wireman, Outside Lineman and Telecommunications apprenticeship programs and awards graduates college credit toward Rowan’s Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management. 

Through the partnership, apprentices can take advantage of Rowan’s Bachelor degree in Construction Management, Master of Engineering Management or stackable construction management certificates through online, self-paced coursework designed for working professionals. Participants who completed an etA apprenticeship can save up to 60 percent on tuition through the new pathway program, significantly reducing the cost and time needed to complete a degree. 

“Our partnership with Rowan affirms that apprenticeship education is rigorous, relevant and worth of academic recognition,” said Todd Stafford, executive director at the etA. “This agreement allows learners to build on the education they’ve already completed to prepare them for training and reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of industry leaders.”

The online Construction Management degree and certificate programs are designed for professionals seeking to move into project leadership, operations and other management positions across the construction industry. Rowan’s curriculum builds on the technical expertise gained through union training and expands it with university-level business, administrative and management skills. 

About etA
The electrical training ALLIANCE (previously called NJATC) was created over 70 years ago as a joint training program between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) aimed at training the best electrical workers the industry has to offer. Today, the electrical training ALLIANCE has developed into the largest apprenticeship and training program of its kind, having trained over 350,000 apprentices to journeyman status through local affiliate programs.

About Rowan Online
Rowan Online empowers learners throughout the region with high-quality, accessible and affordable online education backed by the innovation and forward-thinking of Rowan University. Rowan’s flexible online programs seamlessly connect students to award-winning faculty and industry leaders, comprehensive student support services and academic resources—no matter where they are. In collaboration with Rowan’s nationally ranked colleges and schools, Rowan Online delivers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in high-demand, future-focused fields. Guided by employer insight and industry-driven curriculum, Rowan Online prepares students to excel in a rapidly evolving workforce and lead in their professions and communities.