POLICIES

When an Applicant becomes indentured in either the WECA State- and Federal-approved Program and/or its Federally-approved Program, he/she enters into an agreement with WECA and the State and/or Federal Program agencies, and agrees to abide by all the terms and conditions of the Program Standards, and by the Rules and Regulations, including any amendments.

"Indenture" in this context means signing an Apprenticeship Agreement (DAS 1) that is filed with the appropriate State/Federal agency that affirms the Apprentice's agreement to work and study for five (5) years to attain skills in and knowledge of the electrical trade.

In signing his/her Apprentice Agreement, a WECA Apprentice assumes the following responsibilities and obligations:

1. To acknowledge his/her responsibility to read, understand and abide by all the WECA Apprenticeship and Training Program Rules and Regulations.


2. To diligently and faithfully perform the work of the trade and other pertinent duties as assigned by the ATC and the Member Contractor.


3. To fulfill the Program requirement of accumulating a minimum of 720 classroom instruction hours and a grade of 70% or greater per year.


4. To fulfill the Program requirement of accumulating a minimum of 8,000 hours of On-Job-Training (OJT) hours within the six (6) Work Process Categories.


5. Fulfill the Program requirement of obtaining his/her State certification by the end of his/her 5th year, 2nd semester.


6. To achieve academic success through individual study and effort and without cheating.


7. To go to the jobsite each day prepared to work your assigned shift, to abide by his/her Member Contractor's safety rules, and to respect the company's property.


8. To give each Member Contractor to whom he/she is dispatched a good-faith effort, and if problems arise to ask for guidance from WECA.


9. To fill out Monthly Time Cards (MTCs) daily, and turn them in by the tenth (10th) each month of every year during his/her time in the Program.


10. To Advise WECA of any telephone or address changes within 3 business days of the change.


11. To be available for work when called for dispatch.


12. To continue employment with an Approved to Train WECA member unless the Training Director determines that there is good cause for resignation.

It is the policy of the Western Electrical Contractors Association Inc. Apprenticeship and Training Committee (WECA) to provide a drug-free workplace for its Apprentices, and to comply with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of any controlled substance in the workplace, including but not necessarily limited to any building, property, facility, or satellite center of the WECA Apprenticeship and Training Program, is strictly prohibited.

Use of these substances, whether on or off the job, can detract from an Apprentice's work performance, efficiency, safety, and health and therefore seriously impair the Apprentice's participation in the WECA Apprenticeship and Training Program. In addition, the use or possession of these substances on the job constitutes a potential danger to the welfare and safety of other employees and exposes the Association's members to the risks of property loss or damage or injury to other persons.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances or alcohol is prohibited in the WECA Apprenticeship and Training Program.

WECA has a policy to maintain a drug-free workplace, which prohibits participants from being under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances on work/school time and/or in work/school areas. WECA maintains a strong commitment to workplace safety that ensures Apprentices are in a condition to perform their duties safely and efficiently in the interest of fellow workers and the public, as well as themselves. It is the purpose of this policy to eliminate substance abuse and its effects in the workplace.

In addition, WECA maintains a strict policy that prohibits the distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or transportation to or from school of alcohol.

Violation of the drug and alcohol policy can result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the Apprenticeship and Training Program. However, WECA may, at its discretion, offer an Apprentice the opportunity to seek chemical dependency treatment services as an alternative to disciplinary action. In these cases, WECA may hold an Apprentice's enrollment open upon successful participation in and completion of a treatment program, subject to return-to-duty drug and/or alcohol testing.

Participation in treatment is voluntary and strictly confidential. Information regarding an Apprentice's chemical dependency problem will be placed in the Apprentice's confidential medical file.

In the event an Apprentice does not come forward voluntarily to seek assistance and is later found to be in violation of the drug and alcohol policy, the established disciplinary actions will apply.

1. Illegal Drugs means, for the purposes of this Policy, a controlled substance included in Schedule I or II, as defined by section 802(6) of Title 21 of the United States Code, the possession of which is unlawful under Chapter 13 of that Title.
   
   The term "illegal" drugs does not mean the use of a controlled substance pursuant to a valid prescription or other uses authorized by Federal law.



2. Verified Positive Test Results means, for the purposes of this Policy, a test result that was positive on an initial FDA-approved immunoassay test, confirmed by confirmatory testing approved by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), and reviewed and verified by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) in accordance with the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.
   
   For the purposes of this Policy, any Apprentice who has an alcohol level of 0.02 percent or higher when arriving at class, or at any time during his/her class participation, is considered to be in violation of the Policy.



3. Incomplete Failed Alcohol and/or Drug Test means, for the purposes of this Policy: (1) an Applicant/Apprentice failed to appear for or refused to take a drug and/or alcohol test, (2) an Applicant/Apprentice left the testing site without completing the test or receiving appropriate permission, (3) an Applicant/Apprentice has admitted he/she will not pass a drug test after being notified of a need to take a test, (4) an Applicant/Apprentice failed to cooperate in the testing process, or (5) an Applicant/Apprentice provided an adulterated or substituted test result.



4. Reasonable Suspicion means, for the purposes of this Policy, behavioral conduct of an Apprentice currently affected by alcohol, drugs or a controlled substance, based upon specific personal observations of a WECA Instructor, Staff Member or representative, concerning behavior, speech, or body odors; or circumstances which may indicate that the Apprentice is reporting to class in other than a sober or reliable state free from the effects of alcohol, illegal drugs, and/or controlled substances.



5. Medical Review Officer (MRO) means, for the purposes of this Policy, the individual responsible for receiving laboratory results who is a licensed physician with knowledge of substance abuse disorders and the appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate all positive test results together with an individual's medical history and any other relevant biomedical information.

An Applicant's/Apprentice's consent to a drug and/or alcohol test is required as a condition of enrollment in the Apprenticeship and Training Program. An Applicant's/Apprentice's refusal to consent will result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, removal from the Apprenticeship and Training Program. Consenting to drug testing includes an Applicant's/Apprentice's obligation to fully cooperate. Upon request, an Applicant/Apprentice must promptly complete any required forms and releases and promptly provide a sample for testing.

Upon indenture, the Applicant/Apprentice must agree to sign an authorization for the release of information, allowing either WECA and/or a Member Contractor of WECA who employs or attempts to employ the Applicant/Apprentice to share information about alcohol and/or drug testing results obtained during the course of his/her Apprenticeship.

All testing will be done in accordance with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (an agency of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services) guidelines. Oral fluid testing will cover the following substances and levels:

Urine testing may also be performed in addition to, or in place of, the oral fluid test at the discretion of WECA. Information on substance and level coverage of the urine test will be given to the Applicant/Apprentice at the time of referral.

1. All testing will be performed at WECA expense at an independent testing facility in accordance with USDHHS guidelines and standards of practice. Persons subject to drug testing will be permitted to take a "split sample" to be tested by a laboratory of their choice, at the individual's expense, for retesting.


2. When an Applicant/Apprentice is asked to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing, he/she shall be informed of the reasons that he/she is being asked to submit to the test.


3. All drug testing will be by initial screening and, if positive, followed by confirmatory testing.


4. Validity testing will be performed to determine if foreign substances or adulterants were added to the urine specimen or if the urine was substituted or diluted.

All test results will be shown only to those with a business need to know and will be kept in a confidential medical file. It is the intent of the Association to preserve the confidentiality of the Applicant/Apprentice to the extent reasonably feasible.

1. Pre-Employment Screening

All Applicants/Apprentices must be free from illegal or unauthorized drugs and controlled substances. Any Applicant/Apprentice who refuses to be tested or whose test results are confirmed positive will be subject to the conditions outlined in this Policy.

2. Reasonable Suspicion Testing


1. When an Apprentice is acting in an abnormal manner and WECA has reasonable suspicion to believe that the Apprentice is under the influence of a controlled substance and/or alcohol, WECA may require the Apprentice to submit to testing for alcohol and/or drugs. The Apprentice will be responsible for arranging for another person to transport him/her from the WECA Training Center grounds after dismissal and/or testing.


2. Factors which may lead to reasonable suspicion sufficient to warrant testing include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Observable symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• The odor or smell of alcohol or drugs on an Apprentice's breath or clothes, or in an area (such as in a vehicle or restroom) immediately controlled or occupied by the Apprentice;
• Unexplained, significant changes in behavior (e.g., abusive behavior, repeated disregard of safety rules or procedures, insubordination, etc.);
• Unexplained or suspicious absenteeism or tardiness;
• Credible reports of an Apprentice's drug or alcohol use in violation of this Policy;
• An Apprentice's admissions regarding drug or alcohol use; and
• Drug paraphernalia in an Apprentice's possession or in an area (such as a vehicle or restroom) immediately controlled or occupied by the Apprentice.
3. The foregoing are only examples of factors which may give WECA cause to test. The individual facts and circumstances of each case will be considered in deciding whether to require an Apprentice to submit to testing.

Applicants/Apprentices will be considered to have failed a drug and/or alcohol test under the following circumstances:

• Failed to appear or refused to take a drug and/or alcohol test;
• Left the testing site without completing the test or receiving appropriate permission to do so;
• Has admitted he/she will not pass a drug test after being notified of a need to take a test;
• Failed to cooperate in the testing process; or
• Provided an adulterated or substituted test result; or a MRO reports a positive result of the Applicant/Apprentices’ drug and/or alcohol test

An Applicant/Apprentice will have the right to challenge the results of any drug test required under this Policy. Procedures to challenge are as follows:

• Any challenge must be made, in writing, to WECA within seventy-two (72) hours of notification to the Applicant/Apprentice by WECA that he/she failed a drug test required by WECA or by a Member Contractor;


• Only the original specimen will be retested the Applicant/Apprentice will not be allowed to submit a new specimen; and


• The Applicant/Apprentice must pay for the retest in advance. (Fees for the retest will be determined by WECA and are normally $150.) If, as a result of the retest, the Applicant/Apprentice is found to have passed the drug test, WECA will reimburse the Applicant/Apprentice for the cost of the retest.

If an Applicant/Apprentice believes that a disciplinary decision or action has been unfair or unreasonable, he/she may submit, in writing, to the Apprenticeship and Training Committee, in care of the WECA Sacramento Office, his/her reason(s) for that belief.

If the matter is not resolved to the Apprentice’s satisfaction he/she may file a complaint directly with the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprentice (OA).

Prior to indenture and throughout the term of Apprenticeship, Applicants/Apprentices shall be subject to the WECA Drug-Free Workplace Policy and the drug and/or alcohol testing requirements of all Member Contractors as well as WECA.

If an Applicant/Apprentice refuses to submit to a Member Contractor's drug and/or alcohol test, the Member Contractor will immediately notify WECA. The Applicant/Apprentice will be considered to be in violation of the WECA Drug-Free Workplace Policy and his/her status in the Apprenticeship and Training Program will be subject to the conditions outlined in this Policy.

In the event an Applicant/Apprentice is unable to pass a Member Contactor's drug and/or alcohol test, the Member Contractor will be required to notify WECA that the Applicant/Apprentice did not pass his/her drug and/or alcohol test. WECA will not request, and the Member Contractor will not provide, details of the drug and/or alcohol test results.

When the WECA dispatcher receives notification from a Member Contractor that an Applicant/Apprentice did not pass a drug and/or alcohol test, the dispatcher will confirm that the result has been reviewed and reported by a MRO. If not, the dispatcher will advise the Member Contractor that WECA cannot take any action until the results have been confirmed by a MRO.

After confirmation from the MRO, WECA will immediately remove the Applicant/Apprentice from the Out of Work List. He/she will be notified that he/she is considered "unfit for duty" and will not be dispatched until the conditions outlined in this Policy are met.

Applicants:

If an Applicant fails to complete the application process due to a failed drug and/or alcohol test required by this Policy:

1. The MRO will inform WECA, via phone and written confirmation, that the Applicant did not pass the drug and/or alcohol test;
2. WECA will inform the Applicant, in writing, that he/she is considered unfit for duty due to not passing the drug and/or alcohol test;
3. WECA will cancel his/her application; and
4. The Applicant may reapply to WECA ninety (90) days after cancellation by providing proof of completion of a substance abuse program and receiving a fit-for-duty certification. The substance abuse program shall be licensed and certified by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs www.adp.ca.gov.

Applicants Who are Sent to a Member Contractor for Placement or Indenturing After Passing WECA's Drug Test:

If an Applicant fails a potential Member Contractor's drug and/or alcohol test, the Member Contractor is required to notify WECA and the following actions will occur:

1. WECA will write a letter to the Applicant stating that he/she is considered unfit for duty due to failing a drug and/or alcohol test;
2. WECA will cancel his/her application; and
3. The Applicant may reapply to WECA ninety (90) days after cancellation by providing proof of completion of a substance abuse program and receiving a fit-for-duty certification. The substance abuse program shall be licensed and certified by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs www.adp.ca.gov.

Indentured Apprentices Who Are Sent to a Member Contractor for Placement:

If an Apprentice fails a Member Contractor's drug and/or alcohol test the Member Contractor is required to notify WECA and the following actions will occur:

1. WECA will suspend the Apprentice and give him/her a Conditional Agreement to Continue Apprenticeship. This Agreement details what is expected of the Apprentice to enable him/her to remain in the Apprenticeship and Training Program and be eligible for dispatch.  The Apprentice is required to turn in Monthly Time Cards (MTCs) to the WECA Sacramento office for any partial months of the Suspension;
2. WECA will provide the Apprentice with a copy of the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Program's Web site list of licensed/certified substance abuse providers;
3. The Apprentice will agree to provide a letter, within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date on the Conditional Agreement to Continue Apprenticeship, from the licensed/certified provider, stating the recommended duration of treatment;
4. The Apprentice will be responsible for any payments associated with his/her substance abuse program;
5. The Apprentice will complete the required treatment as prescribed by the licensed/certified provider and the Apprentice will provide to WECA a fit-for-duty certification by the end of the recommended duration of that program, signed by the licensed/certified provider;
6. If as a result of the licensed/certified provider assessment, no treatment is recommended, the Apprentice will complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of substance abuse education and provide certification of completion to WECA; and
7. After receiving the fit-for-duty certification, the Apprentice will be subject to return-to-duty testing as a condition of continued enrollment in the Apprenticeship and Training Program.  Submission of an altered or adulterated specimen or the substitution of a specimen by the Apprentice will result in immediate cancellation from the Apprenticeship and Training Program, and
8. The Apprentice will agree to random drug and/or alcohol tests for a period of twelve (12) months after the completion of his/her recommended substance abuse program.  If the Apprentice fails a random drug and/or alcohol test required under this Policy or a drug and/or alcohol test performed by a WECA Member Contractor any time during the 12-month period, the Apprentice will be immediately cancelled from the Apprenticeship and Training Program, and
9. If an Apprentice is Cancelled as a result of violating the terms of his/her Last Change Agreement he/she may reapply to WECA one (1) year after cancellation by providing proof of completion of a substance abuse program and receiving a fit-for-duty certification.  The substance abuse program shall be licensed and certified by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (www.adp.ca.gov).

10. If an Apprentice believes that a disciplinary decision or action has been unfair or unreasonable, he/she may submit, in writing, to the ATC, in care of the WECA Sacramento Office, his/her reason(s) for that belief.  The ATC will consider the matter at its next scheduled meeting.  A written response will be mailed to the Apprentice. 

If the matter is not resolved to the Apprentice’s satisfaction he/she may file a complaint directly with the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and/or with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (OA).

Confidentiality is essential. WECA maintains Apprentice confidentiality by placing all drug and/or alcohol testing records in confidential medical files, with access to these files strictly limited.

Test results may be disclosed to the Applicant/Apprentice upon request and to a Member Contractor of WECA on a need-to-know basis. Disclosures without the Applicant/Apprentice's consent may also occur when the information is compelled by law or judicial or administrative process.

The Apprenticeship and Training Committee (ATC) is committed to prohibiting unlawful sexual harassment and other unlawful harassment related to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, marital status, age, genetic information or other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

This Policy applies to all persons involved in the Related and Supplemental Instruction (RSI) portion of the Apprenticeship Program, including WECA Staff, Supervisors, Instructors, Apprentices and Trainees. Unlawful harassment in any form, including verbal, physical and visual conduct, threats, demands or retaliation will not be tolerated by the ATC while the Apprentice is involved in RSI.

The ATC recognizes that participating employers are required by law to have a written policy prohibiting unlawful harassment. Because each employer's policy may only apply to that employer, the ATC deemed it advisable to incorporate this Policy into its Rules and Regulations in order to provide additional information concerning the rights and responsibilities of the persons and entities affiliated with the Program.

Definition of Harassment

Harassment because of sex, race, religion, ancestry, disability, age or any other protected basis includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal conduct such as epithets, derogatory comments, slurs, or unwanted sexual advances, invitations or comments
• Visual conduct such as derogatory posters, photography, cartoons, drawings or gestures
• Physical conduct such as assault (unwanted touching), blocking normal movement or interfering with schoolwork because of gender or any other protected basis
• Threats and demands to submit to sexual requests in order to stay in the Program or avoid some other loss, and offers of benefits in return for sexual favors
• Retaliation for having reported or threatened to report harassment
• In addition to harassment that results in a tangible loss, prohibited harassment that impairs your ability to perform schoolwork or emotional well-being in school violates this policy

Internal Complaint Procedure

If an Apprentice believes that he/she or someone else has been or are being harassed while involved in RSI on the basis of sex or other protected basis, he/she should use the following procedure to register a complaint. An Apprentice is required to report any incidents of harassment immediately, so that appropriate corrective and remedial action can be taken.

Please address your complaint to the Training Director, in care of the WECA Sacramento Office, in writing and within twenty-four (24) hours after the occurrence, whenever possible. Your complaint should include the details of the incident(s), the name(s) of the individual(s) involved, and the full names of all witnesses. The Training Director will investigate the complaint and will attempt to settle the complaint. If you are not satisfied with the result or if you wish to submit a written complaint directly to the ATC, you may do so. The ATC may employ an outside investigator to conduct the investigation and report the findings to the ATC.

If the ATC determines that prohibited harassment or discrimination has occurred, the ATC will take corrective and remedial action commensurate with the severity of the offense. Appropriate action will also be taken to deter any future harassment. The ATC will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint and will not knowingly permit retaliation by others. If you are subjected to retaliation, report the incident in writing immediately to the ATC.

The Local Educational Agency (LEA) affiliates of the WECA Training Programs may also investigate complaints of harassment and/or discrimination. In addition, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) may investigate and prosecute complaints of harassment or discrimination.

If you believe you have been harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against, you may file a complaint directly with any of these agencies. The nearest agency office is listed in the telephone directory. The ATC will not retaliate against Apprentices for filing a complaint with or otherwise participating in an investigation or hearing conducted by any of these agencies.

Addendum Regarding Apprentices Indentured in WECA's Federally-approved Program:

You have up to 180 days from the date of the alleged harassment or specific failure to follow EEOC Standards to register your complaint with the appropriate State or Federal registration agency, or you may file it with the ATC (in care of the WECA Sacramento Office).

Sexual harassment complaints may be filed and processed under Title 29 CFR, Part 30.

It is very important that an Apprentice communicate his/her comments and concerns about the Program to the WECA Sacramento Office. WECA wants to resolve issues before they become serious problems.

An Apprentice with comments or concerns may do the following:

• Speak with the WECA Customer Consultant, the WECA Training Director or the WECA Executive Director
• Speak with his/her Class Liaison

Comments or Concerns Regarding On-Job Training (OJT)

Training/Supervision: An Apprentice must be supervised by a Journeyman at all times.

Although the Journeyman is not required to constantly watch an Apprentice, he/she is required to lay out work assignments, demonstrate techniques, and permit an Apprentice to perform work at his/her level of ability. Journeyman supervision should encourage and develop an Apprentice's initiative and responsibility.

An Apprentice who has comments or concerns about his/her OJT or supervision is encouraged to speak with his/her Member Contractor , the WECA Customer Consultant, Operations Manager, Training Director , or Executive Director.

Unsafe Conditions: An Apprentice who has been directed to work under jobsite conditions he/she determines are unsafe has the right to refuse to work, without fear of retaliation.

However, the Apprentice must immediately call the Operations Manager or the Training Director to report his/her assessment of the unsafe conditions and his/her refusal.

The Apprentice must follow up by submitting a brief written report, within forty-eight (48) hours of his/her refusal to work, to the Training Director, in care of the WECA Sacramento Office.

Labor Code Violations: An Apprentice who believes the California Labor Code is being violated on the job site has the right to call the Customer Consultant, Operations Manager, or Training Director to discuss his/her concerns, without fear of retaliation.

Comments or Concerns Regarding Classroom Instruction

An Apprentice who has comments or concerns about his/her classroom instruction is encouraged to speak with his/her WECA Instructor, Customer Consultant, Operations Manager, Training Director or with his/her Class Liaison

WECA urges students to consider the safety and security of themselves and others when attending classroom instruction.

Apprentices should:

• Always park in designated areas of the parking lot.
• Always lock vehicles! Consider using a steering wheel locking device as well, especially when attending a class or a seminar during the darker winter months.
• Always lock any valuable belongings-especially tools-out of sight within a vehicle trunk or truck bed toolbox.
• Drive cautiously in the parking lots
• Always make a point of finding out where the classroom first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are located. If a fire alarm sounds, Apprentices must immediately gather their belongings, leave the classroom and return only when notified to do so.
• Walk in pairs to vehicles after dark and have keys out, ready to open vehicle doors.
• Be alert to the following and, if in doubt, notify a WECA Instructor:
  • Persons who look as though they do not "belong" around a WECA Training Center, persons who are making door-to-door solicitations or who enter classrooms unannounced, or unfamiliar persons who seem to be "under the influence".
  • Boxes or packages in walkways, classrooms or parking lots that look as though they do not "belong".

WECA is NOT liable for vehicle damage, vehicle theft, or loss of personal property such as tools, textbooks, backpacks and cell phones. Students are responsible for their own valuables.

Apprentices should not:

• Bring a pet to a WECA Training Center location and leave it in a vehicle.

WECA is committed to providing a safe and productive lab environment for our students. We require our students to adhere to this Lab Safety policy. Since all lab operations contain some elements of danger, safe working habits are essential!

All students will be given a safety orientation by their instructor before their first lab session each semester, covering the locations and operations of safety and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, power disconnects, telephones and emergency exits.

In an emergency, a student may need to call 911. Physical addresses for WECA labs are:

General Lab Safety

• Students cannot bring or consume food or drink in any WECA Training Center lab.
• Students are expected to do their part in keeping the lab area clean and organized to avoid slip, trip and fall hazards. Students must pick up after themselves. Spilled liquidshould be wiped up immediately to prevent slips and falls; tools are to be returned to their proper places; the lab area must be tidied before the class ends. Students should be as careful for the safety of others as for their own.
• Students may not smoke inside the lab at any time.
• Students must wear shoes that fully cover the foot (no open footwear).
• Students must wear appropriate clothing (jeans, shirts with sleeves), avoid wearing bulky or oversized clothes.
• Students with long hair must tie it back or put it up under a cap.
• Students must remove and store watches, jewelry and safely store cell phones or pagers.
• When students move heavy lab objects they should always "lift with their legs" and get others to help.
• Unauthorized person(s) are not allowed in WECA labs. "Authorized" means having a reason to be in the lab, the permission of the Instructor and the presence of the Instructor.
• Labs will be locked except during lab classes or other authorized use. For their own safety, students should not enter a lab unless an Instructor is present.
• Report all lab problems (defective equipment, tools or materials) to an Instructor or lab coordinator.
• In case of any lab emergency, call 911.

Electrical Safety

• Students should not energize power to a lab project unless an Instructor is present and has checked the circuit connections and layout.
• Students should never make any changes to a circuit or mechanical device without first isolating the circuit by disconnecting the power supply.
• Students should become familiar with the electrical hazards associated with the type of lab project on which they are working.
• Use extension cords only when necessary, and only on a temporary basis.
• Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring.
• Learn the correct handling procedures for batteries, cells, capacitors, inductors and other high energy-storage devices.
• Before leaving a lab project, a student must isolate it from the power supply. If for a special reason the power must be left on, it is the student's responsibility to put a visible barrier and warning notice in place.
• Report faulty equipment immediately to an Instructor or the Lab Coordinator. Do not use the equipment until it is inspected and declared safe by that Instructor or Lab Coordinator.

Electrical Emergencies

Electrical Shock

In an electrical shock situation students must know the following in order to act quickly.

• Know where the lab's electrical power source disconnect is located.
• If someone suffers serious electrical shock, he/she may be knocked unconscious. If the victim is still in contact with the electrical current, immediately turn off the electrical power source.
• Important: NEVER touch a victim who is still in contact with an electrical power source (and do not let anyone else touch the victim). A person can be electrocuted by doing so!
• Call 911 immediately.
• Give the victim appropriate first aid after the electrical power source has been disconnected.

Electrical Fire

In an electrical fire situation students must be prepared to act quickly.

• Notify the Instructor immediately if a fire breaks out in a lab.
• If the fire is small and no one is in immediate danger, any available fire extinguisher may be used to put it out. Water should never be used to put out an electrical fire. If at all possible allow the Instructor to attempt to put out the fire.
• If at any time you feel there is a potential risk to your safety, immediately evacuate the lab.
• Call 911 immediately.

Remember:

• Read and understand this policy! A student must know these guidelines before working in a lab and always observe them once he/she does know them. It is a student's responsibility to ask the Instructor any questions he/she may have.
• Never work on a lab project unless an Instructor is present.

Prior OJT Hours: A Newly-Indentured Apprentice (NIA) may be granted credit for prior OJT hours worked in the trade for their respective program. (i.e. Commercial Program credit for prior OJT hours in the commercial trade)

Time Frame: An NIA has sixty (60) calendar days of his/her indenture date to submit the required documents to the WECA Sacramento Office.

Credit for prior OJT hours may be granted by the ATC on the following basis:

• Up to 100 percent of documented prior OJT hours worked for a current WECA Member Contractor, or a current IEC Member Contractor
• Up to 50 percent of documented prior OJT hours worked for a non-member contractor

How to Request: The NIA must take the initiative in getting his/her previous or current contractor to fill out a WECA Prior Hours Submission form to document previous OJT hours. The form is available from the WECA Sacramento Office.

Another acceptable document is a letter from the NIA's previous or current contractor, on company letterhead, that includes:

• Dates of employment (or to the last day worked prior to indenture date with WECA)
• Total number of OJT hours NIA worked within those dates
• Categories of work performed (using the six (6) categories on the WECA Monthly Time Card as a guide) during those hours
• Signature and title of person providing the documentation

Either the Prior Hours form or the previous contractor letter is proper documentation.

Credit for Related and Supplemental Instruction (RSI)

Prior RSI Hours:  The NIA who previously participated in WECA’s Apprenticeship Program will be granted related and supplemental instruction credit for all verifiable class years where he/she successfully completed the entire year of instruction up to the final year of apprenticeship curriculum within the past three calendar years. No credit will be given for incomplete years of instruction.

For example Apprentice A completed his/her 1^st year of RSI in 10/2004 and 2^nd year of RSI in 12/2005 and was in his/her 2^nd semester of 3^rd year when he/she was Cancelled from the Program. Apprentice A re-applies in 8/2008 and would be given credit for 1^st and 2^nd year and enter WECA as a 3^rd year Apprentice with credit for previous OJT. 

Under no circumstance will a previous Apprentice who has re-indentured into WECA’s Apprenticeship Program be granted credit by the ATC for their final year of apprenticeship.

Requesting to Test Up: If the NIA is granted OJT credit by the ATC and wishes to test up, he/she must call the WECA Sacramento Office and speak to the Dispatch Administrator to schedule a test. He/She will have thirty (30) calendar days from the date his/her hours were approved to complete this process and pass the required testing. Please note that once an NIA has started a class he/she no longer eligible to test up.

Test up credit is given for full years only, not semesters.

The NIA must pass the test-up exam with a grade of 70 percent or greater. The NIA will be notified by mail of his/her exam results.

Number of Prior OJT Hours Required to challenge a class year: Certain minimums apply. For example: If a Commercial NIA wishes to "test up" to be allowed to be placed into a 2nd year Commercial class, he/she must have a minimum of 1,600 ATC-approved prior OJT hours.

The minimums are:

An NIA may test up through his/her 4th class year.

Health Benefits

Benefits provided under the WECA Health and Welfare Plan shall include major medical, chiropractic, dental, short and long term disability, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and an Employee Assistance Program.  A description of benefits is contained in the Health and Welfare Summary Plan Document each Apprentice receives during Orientation.

A WECA Apprenticeship Health and Welfare Plan shall govern the terms and conditions of the benefits provided to a Commercial Apprentice. A copy of the WECA Health and Welfare plan is available for review upon request

An Hour Bank Account will be established and maintained for each Apprentice. Once he/she has satisfied the participation requirements described in the Health & Welfare Summary Plan Document, each month one hundred and forty (140) hours* will be deducted from the total number of Hours accumulated and held in his/her Account to purchase one month's health and welfare benefits for the second following calendar month. For example, one hundred and forty (140) Credited Hours from February s Account would be deducted to purchase Health and Welfare coverage for the month of April. Hours will be deducted from your Account as described herein until insufficient Hours remain in your Account for one full month's coverage.

*Current hours are subject to change

An Apprentice shall complete all required Health and Welfare enrollment forms to ensure that coverage begins when he/she has "banked" the required OJT hours to qualify for Health and Welfare benefits, as stated in the Summary Plan.

An Apprentice who completes health insurance forms at the time of his/her Indenture orientation, but who does not subsequently respond to WECA's request to select one plan or the other, must accept the plan WECA will assign to him/her until the next annual open enrollment period.

An Apprentice who does not submit required documentation to cover dependants will be covered as a single only until the next annual open enrollment period.

Dependent Health Benefit Coverage Payments

If you have arranged to have your dependent(s) covered by your WECA health plan, you must pay $75 to $110* by personal or cashier's check, money order or credit card, or by automatic credit card deduction each month, for this coverage. Cash payment may also be accepted at the front counter of the WECA Sacramento Office only.

Payments must be received in the WECA Sacramento Office by the 15th of each month prior to the month of coverage. Accounts are considered late on the 16th.

If payment in full is not received by that date, his/her dependent(s) coverage will be retroactively cancelled (back to the date the first invoice became due). The Apprentice will also will be financially responsible for any services used by his/her dependent(s) since the date the first invoice became due.

If an apprentice's dependent(s) coverage is cancelled, he/she must wait until the next open enrollment (normally October of each year) or the occurrence of a qualifying event AND pay all past due invoices before he/she can re-enroll his/her dependent(s).

Apprentice's with any questions about insurance matters of any kind, should call the WECA Insurance Administrator.

* Current charges subject to change

Retirement Benefits

Pension contributions made on behalf of an Apprentice shall be deposited into the WECA Apprenticeship Pension Plan account, which shall govern the terms and conditions of pension (retirement) benefits provided to him/her.

An Apprentice shall receive a copy of the Pension Summary Plan description at his/her apprenticeship orientation. Revised Pension Summary Plan descriptions will be mailed to him/her as changes occur.

Contact information must be kept current in order to insure that eligible participants receive pension distribution packets once they have left the program.

WECA recognizes that a personal situation may sometimes interfere with an Apprentice's semester scheduling. WECA will work with Apprentices to accommodate the specific situations described here. However, WECA may also request that an Apprentice provide confirmation of a situation (such as a funeral card, medical documentation, ticket stubs, etc.). Any such documentation will be placed in the Apprentice's file.

Semester change requests will be reviewed/approved/denied by the Training Director based on several factors, including the Member Contractor's requirements and an Apprentice's OJT hours. The Apprentice will be notified of the decision.

Considerations for a Semester Change:

Semester change may be approved for Preplanned Events, Childbirth/Child Adoption, Severe Illness/Death, or Contractor Hardship.

Semester change requests will be allowed:

• Only once per class year (regardless of whether request is made by student or contractor), and
• ONLY if the request is made at least 2 weeks before his/her two (2) week semester starts OR after he/she completes a semester

No changes will be considered during the course of a two (2) week semester.

If a semester change is granted, an Apprentice's entire Term of Apprenticeship may extend beyond the originally estimated Program completion date

The Three Types of Semester Change Requests

1. Preplanned Events - Defined as an event in which an Apprentice is involved that cannot be changed without significant hardship - for instance:
• An Apprentice's already-planned wedding
• An Apprentice's already-planned major family function (such as a family reunion)
• An Apprentice's already-planned vacation trip for which a non refundable deposit has been paid
• An Apprentice's previously scheduled surgery
2. Childbirth/Child Adoption - Defined as accommodating an Apprentice's delivery of or participation in the delivery of his/her child, or recovery/complications/illness resulting from childbirth, or an Apprentice's planned child adoption procedures



3. Severe Illness or Death - Defined as accommodating an Apprentice's involvement in the severe illness, impending or recent death, and/or the funeral arrangements for and bereavement of, his/her:
• Mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, grandparent, legal guardian
• Current spouse or significant other
• Son, daughter, stepchild, grandchild
• Brother or sister
• Mother-, father-, sister-, brother-, son- or daughter-in-law

In recognition of the grave circumstances surrounding illnesses and deaths of family members, WECA will not require an Apprentice to fill out a Student Class Change form. Instead, he/she must immediately call the Customer Consultant and explain the situation.

How to Request a Semester Change

An Apprentice must:

• Complete and submit a student class change form to the WECA Sacramento Office at least 2 weeks prior to the date of his/her WECA notification letter about his/her semester start date
• Notify his/her Member Contractor on the same day he/she faxes or mails the completed Student Class Change form to the WECA Sacramento Office
• Notify his/her Member Contractor when he/she knows that the semester change request has been either approved or denied

WECA defines a Leave of Absence (LOA) as a period up to one year during which a Apprentice cannot work for (to obtain his/her required OJT hours), and cannot attend classroom instruction. Except for Military Leave an Apprentice will not be granted Leave if he/she has previously had approved leave(s) and the current request would result in a cumulative Leave time equal to 1 year during his/her term of apprenticeship.

If an apprentice is granted an LOA, he/she will not be dispatched or allowed to attend classes until the LOA has ended.

Apprentices are informed that they should first discuss the need for an LOA with their contractors before contacting the WECA Sacramento Office to start the LOA process

Circumstances Considered for LOA's

• Temporary medical conditions (maximum cumulative absence of one (1) year for entire program)
• Personal reasons (maximum cumulative absence of one (1) year for entire program)
• Active military duty

If an LOA is granted, an Apprentice's entire Term of Apprenticeship may extend beyond the originally estimated program completion date. He/she may be required to purchase new classroom materials as a result of missed semesters.

The Medical/Personal LOA Process

• An Apprentice should first discuss the LOA with his/her Member Contractor before contacting the WECA Sacramento Office



• The Apprentice must submit, in writing, to the Dispatch Administrator, in care of the WECA Sacramento Office, a brief LOA request. The request should be submitted as soon as possible following the event that led him/her to request the LOA

  The LOA request must contain a start and end date and explain whether it is because of a medical condition or for a personal reason.

  If the absence is due to a medical condition, the request must be accompanied by his/her physician's medical documentation.

  An explanation of the details of the medical condition is not required.




• The request will be reviewed/approved/denied by the Training Director, who will consider how the LOA may affect the Apprentice's educational progress.

  A written decision will be mailed to the Apprentice.

• WECA Staff will contact the Apprentice as the LOA end date nears to inquire about his/her plans to continue in the Program



• When the Apprentice is ready to return to the Program, he/she will be scheduled for the next available semester of his/her class year



• If the LOA was for a medical reason, before the Apprentice will be allowed to return to his/her previous Member Contractor, or to be dispatched to a new Member Contractor by the Dispatch Administrator, he/she must provide WECA with his/her physician's certification that affirms he/she is fit to return to duty



• If the LOA extends beyond one (1) year, the Apprentice's DAS 1 (Apprenticeship Agreement) will be cancelled. He/she may reapply to the Program 1 year after the effective date of cancellation

WECA will consider reasonable classroom and OJT accommodations whenever feasible for an LOA that has been granted by the Apprentice's Member Contractor under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), and/or a LOA that may be necessary due to workplace injuries and/or disabilities recognized under federal and/or state laws.

The Active Military Duty LOA Process

• Upon receiving his/her orders, an Apprentice should immediately call the WECA Sacramento Office and notify the Dispatch Administrator



• The Apprentice must submit a copy of his/her orders to the WECA Sacramento Office before leaving, or arrange for a trusted person to do so as soon as possible

If an Apprentice chooses not to complete this form, WECA will continue to use his/her "hour bank" to cover insurance needs during his/her military LOA as long as hours are available.

• Upon returning from duty, the Apprentice should immediately call the WECA Sacramento Office and notify the Dispatch Administrator so he/she can be dispatched to work and scheduled for the next available semester or class year. If applicable, he/she may resume use of his/her hour bank.

In the first two (2) week semester of every class year, an Apprentice may be elected by his/her fellow students to represent them to the ATC and at Class Liaison meetings. WECA encourages Apprentices to volunteer to become Class Liaisons.

Class Liaisons communicate ATC decisions and other pertinent information to their fellow students. Class Liaisons participate in ATC meetings in person, via conference call, or in other ways to be determined; they may submit issues, questions or concerns to the WECA Operations Manager for presentation at ATC meetings.

In addition, Class Liaisons assist the Safety Coordinator/Instructor with the Emergency Action Plan in case there is an emergency. Liaisons should know CPR and emergency first-aid.

For more information on becoming a Class Liaison, an Apprentice should call the Program Administrator at the WECA Sacramento Office.

Tutoring help from WECA Instructors is available to any Apprentice who feels he/she needs the help. However, it is an Apprentice's responsibility to ask for help.

An Apprentice may speak directly with his/her WECA Instructor, the Customer Consultant, or the Training Director about tutoring. Depending on the Instructor's schedule and the Apprentice's needs, tutoring may be conducted at a WECA Training Center classroom or lab in the afternoon(s) following classroom instruction.

There is no charge for tutoring.

When an Apprentice is indentured into this Program, a physical file is created for him/her. Files are located in a special area within the WECA Sacramento Office only and are never removed from that Office.

An Apprentice has the right to inspect all materials contained in his/her file, subject to the following:

• He/she must call or write the Registrar at the WECA Sacramento Office requesting to do so and giving preferred dates and times. WECA Staff will accommodate these preferences whenever possible
• The Apprentice must inspect his/her file in the presence of a designated WECA Staff member, who will copy only signed documents for him/her. A nominal copy fee may be charged.