The Electrical Apprenticeship Advantage
How to Become an Apprentice Electrician

California Electrical Contractors License
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What is apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a training program where you earn wages while you learn a skilled profession in a specific field, such as construction. Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a trade professional.

Much like a college education, it takes several years to become fully trained as an electrician. Unlike college though, as an apprentice you’ll earn while you learn. At first, you’ll make less money than skilled workers, but as you progress, you’ll get regular raises. Once you’ve mastered the craft, you’ll receive the same wages as a professional.

 

Why choose apprenticeship? Apprenticeship means real skills and real careers. Proven success Today’s electricians were yesterday’s apprentices, in most cases. Proven methods You will be taught by experienced professionals and take approximately 144 hours of related classes each year and you'll have a chance to practice your new electrical skills on the job while you are learning. Higher wages Skilled electricians pay more than unskilled. That’s why apprenticeships typically lead to higher wages plus great benefits.

Advancement potential
Apprenticeship graduates usually advance more rapidly than other workers, so higher-paying jobs come more quickly. Some apprentices move into
supervisory positions within just a few years.
Equal Opportunity Apprenticeship Programs must provide equal opportunity to all who are interested. These programs are eager for qualified women and minority applicants.

Valuable skills credential
When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll receive a graduation certificate valid anywhere in the U.S. that demonstrates you have the knowledge and skills needed for successful performance as a professional in the electrical occupation.






Here are Some Positions for Electrical Workers
ACCESS CONTROL ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN, APPLIANCE SERVICEMAN, CABLE SPLICER, CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN, ELECTRIC UTILITY TECHNICIAN, ELECTRICAL ESTIMATOR, ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC MAINTAINER, ELECTRICIAN CONSTRUCTOR, ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN, HYDRO ELECTRICIAN, INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONIC MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN, INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN/ELECTRONICS, INDUSTRIAL SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN, LIMITED RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICIAN, LOW ENERGY/SOUND AND COMMUNICATION TECHNICIAN, MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN, MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN/ELECTRONICS, MARINE ELECTRICIAN, METER ELECTRICIAN, MOTOR SHOP ELECTRICIAN, NEON AND ELECTRICAL SIGN ELECTRICIAN, OIL BURNER ELECTRICIAN, QUALITY CONTROL APPRENTICES, RADIO TELEVISION ELECTRICAN, RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICIAN, SHOP ELECTRICIAN, SIGNAL - LIGHTING ELECTRICIAN, SOUND COMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL, STATION ELECTRICIAN/WIREMAN/POWER SUPPLY ELECTRICIAN, WIRE ELECTRICIAN

The Work Construction and residential electricians work in all phases of the electrical construction and service industry. They do the electrical construction work on projects ranging from single-family residences to state-of-the-art industrial plants. Workers install conduits and wire all lighting, along with switches and converters, to complex systems incorporating computerization and high technology in the installation and maintenance of electrical systems. Their work includes both small and large commercial installation up to and including high-rise buildings. Electricians also do repair and maintenance on all electrical installations. The low voltage/sound and communication apprenticeship includes work processes in fiber optics, telephone systems, sound and fire alarm systems, LAN and structured wiring systems.

Working Conditions
This work is done in the full range of environmental conditions to include outside in the dirt, cold, sun, rain, and snow; inside in climate-controlled modern offices, and in state-of-the-art clean rooms in hospitals and manufacturing plants. The work can require considerable standing, bending and reaching and may be conducted in cramped spaces or at great heights.

The Apprenticeship
The program, depending upon your area, consists of 2,000-10,000 hours on-the-job training. Additionally, 144-216 hours of classroom instruction is required per year. Generally the additional training is conducted two nights per week.

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements
(Requirements vary slightly in different regions)

• At least 18 years old (birth certificate or reliable proof of age)
• High school graduate or GED
• At least one year of high school or one quarter of post high school algebra with a grade of C or better (sealed high school transcript or GED scores with proof of algebra grades)
• Resident of the geographical area covered by the program for one year prior to application
• Discharge papers, if applicable
• Physically able to perform work of the trade
• Must score "high" on GATB or NJATC test.

* These figures may change depending on your location and position.