Management Training Program FAQs

Manager Training Program FAQ

Our competitive management training program has been turning talented leaders into the managers of their own CED profit centers since 1989. Below are answers to our recruits’ common questions.

What do you do?

We’re one of the nation’s largest electrical distributors, buying from manufacturers and supplying electrical equipment to customers in over 600 local locations.

Why are electrical distributors needed? Why not buy straight from the manufacturers?

Our customers need many different electrical materials. We offer one, convenient local stop for our customers, who, rather than having to work through multiple suppliers, can use a single line of credit. We’re extremely knowledgeable about a wide range of products, so we can serve as business partners to our customers.

Are you a utility company?

No. We supply electrical materials, but do not manufacture or install the products.

What are general work hours?

You can expect to work 8-9 hours a day, Monday-Friday, usually 7 a.m.-5 p.m. or 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Some weekend work may be required for special projects, but it is rare.

Is the training paid?

Yes. Our training program is essentially a full-time position that includes benefits such as paid sick/vacation/holiday time, 401K and medical, dental and vision insurance.

What kind of perks does it include?

You will attend multiple training courses throughout the year (around 7-15 annually) that include traveling to cities across the country. Recruits often build relationships with their fellow trainees that help them through the program, and through their careers.

Where is the training located?

The training takes place in locations across the country. It includes on-the-job and at-home work learning about electrical products. You’ll also travel for vendor/manufacturing training in a classroom setting that runs for 3-5-day stretches during the week.

Do you need previous electrical experience?

No, you don’t. We’ll give you the tools and resources you need to become an industry expert.

What are the requirements?

A bachelor’s degree is required. Sales and leadership experience and/or a business or sales degree is preferred.

Is relocation required?

Yes, your ability to relocate will broaden your opportunities. We do our best to accommodate preferences, but it’s not guaranteed.

How long is the program?

The program lasts 2 ½ years on average.

Why is it so much longer than other management training programs?

CED’s training program is more like an on-the-job MBA. We train you to run one of our locations as if you’re an owner — not just a manager of operations — including profit sharing.

Why does CED refer to its locations as "profit centers?"

This is another example of why CED’s business model is so unique. We treat each of our company’s locations as a separate business, responsible for its own independent profits and losses. Empowered to grow and share revenues, and accountable for expenses, our profit center managers essentially run their own businesses.

Why are there different names/DBAs?

One of the ways that CED has grown is through acquisitions. Often, we keep the local name that is strong in the market already.

When I get out of the program what am I?

You’ll be placed as a manager of a CED profit center. You will likely take over an existing business, opposed to a start-up.

Who owns the company?

Consolidated Electrical Distributors has been a privately held business for 60+ years.