What is
an Electrician?
An apprentice electrician works directly under the supervision
of a qualified journeyman electrician in installing or maintaining a variety of
approved wiring methods for distribution of electrical light, heat, power,
radio, and signaling utilization systems. The work is performed in existing or
new residential, commercial and industrial buildings and includes street and
highway lighting, traffic signals and other outdoor above and below grade
installations. The trade requires considerable physical effort on the part of
the apprentice to do lifting, climbing, crouching, and working in cramped areas.
Qualifications / Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Applicants must be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED
- Must have completed one full year (2 semesters) of high school algebra
with a minimum grade of “C”, or the equivalent with the burden of proof on the
applicant. (Pre algebra will not meet this requirement).
- Applicants accepted in to the apprenticeship program must be willing to
sign a scholarship loan agreement.
- Applicant must have a valid California Driver’s License at the time of
application.
Benefits
Our program is sponsored jointly by the National Electrical
Contractors Association (NECA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers Local Union 617. As an employee and union member you will be afforded
excellent medical and dental coverage as well as savings and pension plan
benefits.
Program
During the term of your apprenticeship you will work 8000 hours
on the job for a five year program with various San Mateo County electrical
contractors. In addition, you will attend school two nights per week for five
years, totaling 800 hours. The starting wage is 35% of journeyman’s pay.
Application and Process
Applications are available on the 3rd Wednesday of each month
at 10:00 AM sharp and must be filled out in person at the training center. Bring a valid California driver’s license to 625 Industrial
Road, San Carlos. Additional information regarding the application process will be provided at that time. Here
is a map to the training center.
Inside Wireman Testing & Interview Schedule
Aptitude testing is conducted twice a year in San Mateo County; once in the fall (September or October) & once in spring (February or March). Applications must be completed with all required documentation submitted in order to qualify for aptitude testing.
Interviews are also conducted twice a year in San Mateo County. If you obtain a qualifying score on the aptitude test, you will be scheduled for an oral interview. Each round of interviews is scheduled approximately one month following aptitude testing.
In order to be considered for the apprenticeship class beginning in September, applicants need to have completed the application process prior to the spring testing/interview period. Applications submitted or completed after the spring testing/interview period will be processed for the following year. Timing is everything. It is possible to apply in February and be selected for apprenticeship in September, only seven months later. Missing the deadline for spring testing could result in a nineteen month wait.
Electrician Apprenticeship Quick Facts
| Program focus / job title |
Electrician (Inside Wireman) |
| Type of program |
Apprenticeship |
| Career cluster |
Engineering Technology |
| Pathway |
Construction |
| Degree offered |
Journeyman Certificate (A.S. Degree) |
| Location |
San Mateo County |
| Sponsor |
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(IBEW) Local 617 & Northern California
National Electrical Contractors Association
(NECA) Joint Apprenticeship Committee |
| Minimum age |
18 |
| Maximum age |
None |
| Requirements |
High School Diploma or GED Completed 1 year of high
school algebra with grade of “C” or better. |
| Educational partners |
College of San Mateo |
| Contact Person |
Kathleen Barber, Training Director |
| Address |
625 Industrial Road
San Carlos, California 94070-3301 |
| Phone |
(650) 591-5217 |
| Fax |
(650) 591-5219 |
| Email |
alicia@smjatc617.com |
