As the year draws to a close, IUEC Mechanics are reaching the cutoff date (12/31/2023) to complete their mandatory continuing education. As per the agreement, every year Mechanics are required to carry out eight (8) hours of online continuing education from NEIEP’s curriculum.

With this important deadline fast approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to lay out answers to the most common questions in relation to the IUEC Mechanic Required Continuing Education (CE) so Mechanics can complete their hours and look toward a fresh CE offering in 2024.

Who Needs Mechanic Required CE?

The Mechanic Required CE is an annual requirement that must be completed by all Mechanics who passed the Mechanic Exam on or after July 9, 2022, and before January 1, 2023. If you achieved Mechanic status before this date (7/9/22), you can consider yourself Grandfathered—a term used to describe Mechanics for whom the Mechanic Required CE is optional. If you passed the Mechanic Exam on or after 1/1/2023, you will not be required to complete the mandated Mechanic continuing education (MR023) this calendar year. This course is optional for these recent Mechanics; however, they will be required to complete the Mechanic Required CE for next year (MR024).

Are Mechanics Paid for Mechanic Required CE?

Yes. Each Mechanic who completes the Mechanic Required CE is reimbursed for 8 hours at the current Mechanic Rate for their Home Local. NEIEP has streamlined this process, automatically verifying completed courses and processing payments weekly. Instructors will be issued a W2 at the end of the year, while other Mechanics will receive a 1099.

What’s in the 2023 Mechanic Required CE?

Because not every course on the NEIEP website fulfills the annual requirement, one specific course sequence totaling eight training hours is chosen each year for Mechanic Required CE. For 2023, that course is MR023, which covers a wide range of topics, including Sexual Harassment & Discrimination Awareness and Prevention, Virtual Governor Lab, and Meters training. MR023 is a practical, relevant course designed to elevate a Mechanic’s skillset.

How and When Can Mechanics Sign Up?

NEIEP has made the sign-up process simple. First, Mechanics must log in to the NEIEP website where they can access the Mechanic Required CE Training Portal from the Dashboard. The Training Portal shows the current courses, registration history, and payment status.

Any Mechanics not already known to NEIEP will need to contact us directly to be put into the system before they will be able to access and take the training. The Mechanic Required CE must be completed by December 31, 2023, with the next round of Mechanic Required CE beginning at the start of January 2024.

With this deadline just a few weeks away, it is vital that all Mechanics sign up and complete their Mechanic Required CE before we ring in the new year.

What Happens if Mechanics Don’t Complete the Mandatory CE?

As stated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, “A Mechanic (including Assistant Mechanic) that does not comply with the continuing education requirement(s) of Article XIX Educational Fund shall not receive the wage rate increase, as described in Article V, Par. 2, until completion of the required continuing education curriculum.”

As noted above, for Grandfathered Mechanics, this training is not mandatory. However, these Mechanics can also gain from continuing their education with NEIEP. The CBA states, “Grandfathered Mechanics who complete the specified continuing education curriculum set forth in Par. 6(b) for a calendar year shall be paid in accordance with Par. 6(c) of this Article.”

Continue Your Education at NEIEP

The IUEC Mechanic Required CE is designed to help Mechanics stay up to date on techniques and practices to invest in themselves in support of career success. The doors are currently open, but they will close at the end of the calendar year. Seize the opportunity while you can, complete your Mechanic Required CE (MR023) before the end of December, and position yourself for a brighter future in the industry.

If your questions about the IUEC Mechanic Required CE haven’t been answered here, reach out to support@neiep.org for the information you need. We’re here to support you every step of the way.