The Iowa State University National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Student Chapter is competing in the 16th Annual ELECTRI/NECA Student Chapter Competition in the Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC).
Iowa State has participated in this competition since 2009, providing students with an engaging and applicable learning experience. Cardinal Electric consists of seven students from the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE): Anthony Stogdill, Seth Shindelar, Renee Clemenson, Broc Dollerschell, Lucas Gardner, Clay Livingston, and Ty Milutinovich (not pictured). The team is sponsored by the Iowa Chapter NECA.
In this year’s competition, the students had to use Trimble technology to lay out surveying points and utilize Revit software for building information modeling. Along with the technical aspects, students complete BIM coordination of the project and an execution plan. They will also develop a prefabrication plan, installation drawings, and more that aid in the construction of the Trimble Phase II building in Westminster, CO. This opportunity gives students experience as electrical contractors in a controlled, competitive, and fun environment.
Cardinal Electric has been working hard this spring to assess the competition requirements, collaborate towards meeting their goals, and build relationships with NECA contractors and affiliates to turn in their final proposal. On May 3rd, the team’s proposal is due and will be judged by electrical industry professionals from across the nation. Judging concludes in late July, then the top three teams will present their solutions at the National NECA Convention in San Diego, CA, at the end of September.
Jenny Baker, teaching professor in construction engineering, is the faculty advisor for Cardinal Electric, using her accomplished industry experience to guide the students to success.
“My Cardinal Electric students worked hard all semester for this competition, learning aspects of real-world collaboration and completing a complex project. It also gives them the opportunity to connect with students from other universities on the same track!” Said Baker.