Wired for Growth: ERMCO’s Approach to Workforce Excellence

ERMCO is transforming how workforce development is approached in Indiana. The Greenwood-based electrical contractor has integrated upskilling into its organizational culture. With assistance from Indiana workforce initiatives, ERMCO offers training opportunities for individuals at every stage of their careers, from students beginning their journey to experienced professionals. This commitment ensures employees gain the knowledge and expertise required to excel in an industry where construction and technology are advancing at a rapid pace.

Created in 1962, ERMCO has grown into a turnkey solutions provider, delivering electrical, low-voltage, and automation services nationwide. The company’s portfolio spans airports, healthcare facilities, stadiums, and data centers, and its commitment to developing employees is just as far-reaching.

While ERMCO has always valued employee development, the company expanded its upskilling efforts about four years ago in response to a surge of large-scale projects. “We saw the writing on the wall about four years ago,” said David Peterson, President and CEO. “Mega projects were coming, data centers, healthcare expansions, billion-dollar builds, and we knew we had to plan ahead to meet demand without sacrificing quality.” That foresight sparked a company-wide commitment to training and career growth.

The company’s philosophy centers on hiring for culture fit and training for skill, allowing ERMCO to build a flexible, multi-skilled workforce capable of adapting to shifting demands. Employees are encouraged to take initiative in their development, and ERMCO supports that through structured programs like apprenticeships, internships, and career pathing.

“We focus on recruiting and developing talent through our apprenticeship program, which has grown from 450 participants to over 1,000 craftspeople statewide," said Mark Campbell, Director of Field Operations. “That investment ensures we have the skilled workforce needed to deliver on complex projects.”

The impact of upskilling is undeniable. ERMCO’s apprenticeship program, internships, and outreach to high schools and colleges have created pipelines for office roles, where career pathing and mentorship programs help employees advance into leadership positions. These initiatives have strengthened retention, reduced downtime, and improved overall engagement.

Becky Wheeler, HR Director, explained how ERMCO’s approach impacts culture and retention. “When companies invest in employees, it sends a powerful message: you are valuable. We want people to know they can grow here if they put in the effort. That commitment has helped us maintain extremely low turnover and build a culture where people want to stay.”

This commitment to aligning talent with opportunity is felt throughout the organization. Pat McNulty, Estimating Team Leader, shared how ERMCO’s investment in development has shaped his career. “The leadership at ERMCO is really in tune with both the unique talents of each employee and the high expectations our clients have learned to expect. They do a great job of positioning each individual in front of the right customer or project. This level of familiarity and careful planning done repeatedly gives an ERMCO employee tremendous momentum to fulfill the expectations they have for themselves and those they support.”

Indiana companies that want to pursue similar efforts can take a lesson from ERMCO. The company suggests beginning with small steps and making full use of state programs that help reduce training costs and support building internal expertise. These resources have delivered strong returns, improving business performance and increasing employee satisfaction.

ERMCO shows that upskilling is both a workforce development strategy and a growth engine for business. By investing in its people, the company has strengthened operations, deepened engagement, and earned recognition as an employer committed to innovation and progress.

To learn more about ERMCO, visit ermco.com.

Power Up Indiana is a new incentive program rewarding employers to grow wages, build stronger teams, and turn talent development into a long-term business advantage. To learn more about Power Up Indiana, visit powerup.dwd.in.gov.