Become an Apprentice

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• What is an Apprentice?
• What is an Electrician?
• WECA Apprenticeship & Training Programs
• Course Catalog
• Benefits Information
• Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation.

Click here for more information on the difference between an Apprentice and a Trainee.

Electricians install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. They also may install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry. Although most electricians specialize in construction or maintenance, a growing number do both.

Electricians work with blueprints when they install electrical systems in factories, office buildings, homes, and other structures. Blueprints indicate the locations of circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards, and other equipment. Electricians must follow the National Electric Code and comply with State and local building codes when they install these systems. In factories and offices, they first place conduit (pipe or tubing) inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas. They also fasten to the walls small metal or plastic boxes that will house electrical switches and outlets. They then pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between these boxes. In lighter construction, such as residential, plastic-covered wire usually is used instead of conduit.

Electricians' work is sometimes strenuous. They bend conduit, stand for long periods, and frequently work on ladders and scaffolds. Their working environment varies, depending on the type of job. Some may work in dusty, dirty, hot, or wet conditions, or in confined areas, ditches, or other uncomfortable places. Electricians risk injury from electrical shock, falls, and cuts; to avoid injuries, they must follow strict safety procedures. Some electricians may have to travel great distances to jobsites.

WECA offers three apprenticeship programs: Commercial Inside Wireman, Residential Wireman, and Sound and Communication Installer.

WECA Apprentice's school tuition costs are paid by the WECA Member Contractors who employ them.  However, apprentices are responsible for purchasing their own books and tools. WECA Apprentices attend classes in an accelerated and intensive format consisting of full-time classroom training for two consecutive weeks every five to six months. Each two-week session is equal to one semester.

• 5-year commitment (Classroom & Paid On-The-Job Training)
• A generous health & welfare plan that includes the apprentices choice of CIGNA or Kaiser, Dental, Chiropractic Services, Pension Plan, and Life Insurance.
• Hourly base wages ranging from $8.00 to $32.52

• 3-year commitment (Classroom & Paid On-The-Job Training)
• Major Medical Insurance provided by the WECA Member with whom the apprentice is employed.
• Hourly base wages ranging from $8.70 to $15.60

• 3-year commitment (Classroom & Paid On-The-Job Training)
• Major Medical Insurance provided by the WECA Member with whom the apprentice is employed.
• Hourly base wages ranging from $10.00 to $16.00

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