The Company sponsors employees in the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) apprenticeship program, which is certified by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT).

The apprenticeship program consists of 576 hours of instruction (4 years).  Apprentices attend school four hours in the evening, one night per week.  The apprenticeship program also includes on-the-job training in specific areas.

Scholastic/Aptitude Qualifications

• Applicants must be a high school graduate, possess a GED, or be a high school youth apprentice.
• Applicants must pass the math assessment test with a 70% or complete the math class.

Sponsorship

Helpers must be recommended by a Project Manager to participate in the apprenticeship. 

In determining requests for sponsorship, the Company looks for the following characteristics:

·         Productive worker

·         Good attendance

·         Good attitude

·         Proven mechanical aptitude

Most approved apprentices are indentured and begin school in September.

Apprentice Responsibilities

The Company has apprentice classifications that reflect each of the years of the IEC apprenticeship program.  An employee's movement from one classification to the next is based on successful completion of the apprenticeship requirements for a given level.  The apprentice must complete the number of hours required for each year in the program.  When hours are missed, it must be brought to the attention of the Training Director.

Classroom Training

The apprentice must attend school regularly.  No more than three absences per year are allowed.  A 70% passing grade each year must be maintained to continue to the next year.

On-the-Job Training

An apprentice should complete approximately 2,000 hours or more of on-the-job training each year of his/her apprenticeship. 

Books & Fees

The cost of tuition and books is covered by the Company.  However, replacement books/materials will be at the apprentice's expense.

Apprenticeship Wages

Apprentices are paid on a progressive scale throughout their apprenticeship.  The State sets a minimum wage for each year of the apprenticeship.  The wage is based on a survey of wages paid to employees skilled in the electrical field.  The apprentices earn 40-45% of a skilled employee wage during their first year, 50-60% during their second year, 65-70 % during their third year, and 80-85% during their fourth year.