What is an Apprentice?
An apprentice is defined as one who contracts with an apprenticeship sponsor. The apprentice and the sponsor agree and commit to specific responsibilities. In general, the apprentice agrees to work on the job to learn the skills associated with the trade. The apprentice is paid a reduced rate of journey level pay while learning and developing job skills and acquiring trade knowledge. Apprentice training programs also require related classroom.
Our goal is to train men and women to be the best in the electrical trade. Regrettably, we are limited in the number we can accept each year. We seek to select the best candidates and help train them to demonstrate proper skills, knowledge, a positive attitude, and excellent work ethics.
Our Program
While job skills are learned and acquired on the job, some limited hands-on training takes place in the classroom to help the apprentice develop a better understanding for theories associated with the trade. Classroom training consists of 5 years (minimum of 180 hours per year) of study. Classes are normally conducted September to June. Classes are held on a scheduled day, once every-other week throughout that current class year. Apprentices are NOT paid to attend class. Class times are 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. two nights a week.
Apprentices usually work an 8 hour shift Monday through Friday. Many jobs, however, work four 10 hour days. Some jobs may require working overtime for which workers are paid an overtime rate.
Throughout the program each apprentice will be evaluated, both on the job and in classroom studies, to ensure they are adapting, progressing, and advancing in the trade. Upon satisfactory completion of a year of school, passing certification exams, and having worked the minimum number of work hours showing satisfactory progress, the apprentice is advanced to the next higher level of pay.
After five years of related classroom training and a minimum 8,000 hours of on the job training, the Apprentice is advanced to Journeyman status.