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Tuesday, March 28, 2023   Women in Construction Week 2023 recap

Video: Hear from women currently in our program as well as successful grads



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Women in Construction Week 2023 Spotlights

Laura Martinez, Commercial Electrical Apprentice



 

“Being an electrician has impacted my life greatly,” says Laura Martinez, a fifth year, second semester Commercial Electrical Apprentice. “I make more money than any other job I have held in the past; I feel very independent; my self-esteem is better than ever; my loved ones feel very proud of me, and my daughters see me as a role model.”

Before joining WECA, Laura was a single mom who struggled a lot because she didn’t make enough money to make ends meet. Since she had an interest in the wiring process and wanted to work with her hands, Laura extensively researched various trades before deciding to become an electrician.

Laura initially applied to many different programs and passed the testing and interview processes with those programs but kept getting turned away due to her lack of work experience in the trades. After two years of waiting for an opportunity, she cried with joy and happiness when she was accepted into WECA’s Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program.

“WECA is an amazing program where I feel taken care of,” says Laura. “WECA and my employers (Laura is currently with Helix Electric) have helped me succeed. Every semester I learn a lot of material that I then apply to the field, and I love that the program offers on-the-job training in addition to classroom instruction. The courses help me perform well in the field, and my employers make sure that I work in all stages of the process so that I can become a well-rounded electrician.”

Laura says that more women are needed in not only the electrical industry, but the trades as a whole.

“Sadly, as a society, we believe that certain jobs can only be performed by men. Before becoming an electrician, I didn’t believe in myself like I do now, and I know there are a lot of women hungry to succeed in life but doubting themselves.”

According to Laura, working as an electrician is dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and personally rewarding.

“The electrical trade is one where one never stops learning,” says Laura. “No one day is the same as the other because there are always challenges, lots of critical thinking, and solutions to be found. I also enjoy that I can bring out different skills at different stages. For example, I didn’t know that I was strong enough to dig the whole day during the underground stage, and it’s interesting to find pathways for piping and wiring during this stage.”

Additionally, Laura says there’s numerous advantages to apprenticing with WECA’s apprenticeship programs versus pursuing a traditional two or four-year college education.

“The advantages of my apprenticeship with WECA are that I don’t have to pay out of pocket for my education, there are college credits [through the National College Credit Recommendation Service] if I decide to continue my education after WECA, the health coverage, and the fact that I can take two weeks off [of on-the-job training to complete the daytime in-classroom portion of the apprenticeship program] without sacrificing time with my family. Plus, with WECA’s apprenticeship, there’s the advantage of getting an education while working and getting hands-on experience,” says Laura.

Laura, we’re glad to have a driven achiever like yourself as part of the WECA family! It’s our pleasure to help you craft a marketable and lucrative electrical career and propel you into the future echelon of premier women electricians in California!

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Brooke Owens, Electrician Trainee



Sometimes, our true callings are found in unexpected moments. That was the case for Electrician Trainee Brooke Owens, whose interest in becoming an electrician began when she and her grandpa built a tree fort during her childhood.

“The electrical part struck a strong passion for electricity,” says Brooke.

As an adult, that passion for electricity has intensified and shaped her life in many ways.

“Being an electrician has completely changed my life. When you wake up and enjoy what you’re doing, it isn’t work, but a passion,” Brooke expounds. “Being an electrician has taught me so much – like how to be a great leader, teacher, and mentor. The best part of being an electrician is starting a job and seeing it through all the processes from beginning to end. We [electricians] get to say, I built that building and gave it light. I also love the flow state – that’s where the magic happens.”

As a woman electrician, Brooke says that “It’s awesome being a woman in a male-dominated industry because as women, we hold our own and have strong willpower. I enjoy being underestimated. More women should become electricians because we should prove that this industry isn’t just a man’s job. It’s our time to shine and hold it down. It’s truly empowering to see another woman on the job, so you are not alone.”

Brooke's passion for her chosen profession is inspiring, and WECA is proud to play a part in her success.

“WECA has been so helpful for learning and getting ready for the journeyperson test. The instructors are so inspiring and helpful. It makes it easier when you and your instructor share the same passion for the trade and want to learn and grow,” says Brooke. “The advantages I have with WECA’s Electrician Trainee Program for me is definitely the classes, and the hands-on labs are great. You get great knowledge from the classes and experience in the labs. It’s a win-win experience. The great perks of the program versus a regular college education is that you get to do school after you learn hands-on stuff on the jobsite, learning as you go. Without WECA and Bergelectric [my employer], I wouldn’t be growing into this successful electrician that I’m becoming.”

In closing, Brooke says “Thank you for this opportunity to share my experience with WECA and readers. It’s truly an honor to be part of this empowering movement. I’d like to congratulate all the women in the trade and those who are part of WECA. Girl power all the way!” 

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Victoria Carrillo, Electrician Trainee



For WECA Electrician Trainee Victoria Carrillo, her family strongly influenced her decision to become an electrician and her perspective on the electrical industry.

“My dad is an electrician, and my maternal grandfather was an electrician,” says Victoria. “They inspired my interest in the electrical field, and to be hard-working. Being an electrician has changed my life so much by helping me learn to be stronger, have more patience and overall determination, and has helped me become a better mom, friend, and example for all my siblings.”

Before enrolling in WECA’s Electrician Trainee Program, Victoria tried to become an electrician through a traditional college education, but found it difficult to succeed in that environment as a mom and full-time apprentice.

“As a mom, the ability to have class online [through WECA’s Electrician Trainee Program] is a huge advantage for me, and the late class times offered are exactly what I need to be able to manage work and school at the same time. The program offers self-paced classes twice a week with occasional hands-on labs on Saturdays and has incredible instructors who have worked in the field themselves who understand what they teach through experience. The instructors make it very easy to ask questions and learn without feeling rushed or embarrassed. And, I’ve run into wiring problems or conduit fill issues [on-the-job] that I would not have known what to do about without my knowledge from my WECA instructors. The program is so convenient and makes going to school a lot less stressful in comparison to other options I tried,” says Victoria.

As a woman electrician, Victoria says that she quickly learned that in the electrical industry, your gender doesn’t matter – but your determination to work hard does.

“Women are strong, smart, and have a strong nature within themselves to get things done,” says Victoria. “The electrical field would benefit from more women because of that. There are so many women out there with a talent for wiring and construction that don’t even know it yet.”

Great sentiments, Victoria! We’re happy to hear that WECA’s Electrician Trainee Program helps you pursue your electrical industry education and career while maintaining your family responsibilities, and hope that your insight inspires more women to join the growing ranks of premier women electricians in California!

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WECA's Outreach Team Held Special, Woman-Focused Events for WIC Week 2023





WECA hosted a Women in Construction Week 2023 Outreach Event on Monday, March 6 at our California headquarters in Rancho Cordova.

We were pleased to have a sizable number of women come to learn more about WECA and our Apprenticeship and Electrician Trainee programs.

During the event, Workforce Development Supervisor Diane Trotter and Assistant Director of Apprenticeship Wendy Flanagan gave attendees a tour of classrooms and labs in session, informed attendees about WECA's Apprenticeship and Electrician Trainee program options through a live presentation, shared informative videos, and hosted a riveting Q&A session.

They also held an online forum and get-together for women already enrolled in WECA's apprenticeship and electrician trainee certificate programs, and were gratified to hear positive feedback regarding the quality of WECA's electrical training programs.

"The level of education I get from WECA is so much better than what I got elsewhere," one attendee shared. "I feel like my instructor really cares about what they are teaching, how it is delivered, and about me as a student. I wanted to pass it along, so you can share with your team. Thank you for being amazing!"

Thank you for coming, everyone! We had a blast celebrating Women in Construction Week 2023 with you and are honored to have you as part of the current and future female electrical workforce!

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WECA staff got into the spirit of Women in Construction Week 2023! Pictured are staff at our California HQ in Rancho Cordova (first two pictures) and Rex Hime, the Regional Relationship Manager for Fresno (last picture) at our Fresno training facility. Thank you for helping us celebrate women in construction, everyone! 







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Want to join the growing cohort of women in the electrical industry who help power their communities?

Learn more about and apply for WECA's apprenticeship programs in California, Arizona, and Utah here!

Learn more about and enroll in WECA's Electrician Trainee program here!




 
Read more >>


Tuesday, March 28, 2023   WECA's first "Jump Start Your Career" Fair at our Fresno Training Facility was a success

Watch our behind-the-scenes video

Stay tuned for news on an upcoming fair in San Diego


 

WECA held our first "Jump Start Your Career" fair at our Fresno training facility (which serves Fresno and the greater Central Valley region) on February 22nd.

Diane Trotter, WECA's Workforce Development Supervisor, reports that the event had a "solid turnout with many eager career seekers."

Ana Lopez, ET/Journeyman Program Manager, and Trisha Hughes, Client Services ET/CE Specialist, shared information about the Electrician Trainee Program during the event and helped attendees get a "Jump Start" on their electrical careers.

"All attendees were so grateful to have them there and to learn more about this pathway," says Diane.

Meanwhile, George Leach and Jaron Stroud, the Apprenticeship instructors at WECA's Fresno training facility, made sure that attendees got some "real hands-on questions" answered and showed off their electrical knowledge!

Additionally, Rex Hime, WECA's Regional Relationship Manager for Fresno, Don Black, Apprentice Training, IT, and Facilities Director, and Wendy Flanagan, Assistant Director of Apprenticeship, were on hand to answer attendees' burning questions, make them feel welcome, guide them to the right spot within the fair, and made sure that our participating Member Contractors had everything they needed.

Rex says, "The event captured the value of being a WECA member or student in a bottle. Our enthusiastic applicants got hands-on experience with what their education in Fresno would look like, witnessing live workshops from WECA's Fresno instructors. Participating members were also thrilled to meet potential future employees. The event gave them a venue to put a name to a face and see the determination of the Central Valley's future electricians. I was delighted with all the preparation and professionalism displayed by our attendees, and our member contractors felt the same way. Jump Start was a successful catalyst to strengthen Central Valley's electrical workforce, which is beneficial to all of us at the end of the day."

Many of WECA's Member Contractors participated in the career fair. Chad Leger of Rex Moore Group says, "Rex Moore's partnership with WECA is great. We love WECA because WECA turns out some of the best talent there is; WECA turns out great apprentices. We like to take those apprentices and turn them into leaders."

Richard Markuson of WECA Government Affairs also stopped in to show his support for the educational and member services provided by the Fresno training facility for the greater Central Valley region.

And last, but not least, Jeff Jaramillo, WECA's Content and Event Producer, compiled footage of the event (seen above) and interviewed attendees.

"It was great to see everyone!", concludes Diane.

WECA would like to thank our attendees for their interest and participation and our participating Member Contractors for helping expand the electrical workforce in Fresno and the Central Valley!


 

Read more >>


Tuesday, March 28, 2023   Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8 - 12, 2023

Share your appreciation for WECA instructors by sharing your favorite memory or a message of gratitude

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up on May 8 - 12, 2023! Share a favorite memory or message of appreciation for a WECA instructor, whether an Apprenticeship or GetWired instructor, who made a difference in your education. If we pick your submission to publicize during Teacher Appreciation Week, we'll send you a WECA hoodie!

Click here to share your favorite memory or message of appreciation for a chance to win a WECA hoodie!

Read more >>


Tuesday, March 28, 2023   Apprentices: April is Financial Literacy Month

Take control of your finances with SmartDollar, your financial wellness benefit.

Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? Learn how to get started below


 

National Financial Literacy Month was started to encourage people to review and improve their finances. There's no better time to get smarter with money! Use the SmartDollar resources below for each week of April to learn more about different topics:

Week 1: Budgeting

Week 2: Paying Off Debt

Week 3: Saving

Week 4: Retirement

Want to learn how to get smarter with your money and take control of your finances in a group setting? SmartDollar also offers Live Group Coaching sessions! Check out upcoming sessions below:



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Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- getting started is easy! Learn how below.


 

SmartDollar is a financial wellness benefit for WECA apprentices. We announced our partnership with the Dave Ramsey-founded online financial wellness platform in January, 2021 to provide our apprentices with a sound foundation in personal finance management. This benefit is available to all WECA apprentices free of charge. Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- scroll to the bottom of this article for instructions!

What is SmartDollar? SmartDollar is a step-by-step approach to handling money with the number-one authority in personal finance, Dave Ramsey. More than 4.5 million people have started on Dave's plan and taken control of their money, and you can too! SmartDollar will equip you to get out of debt, on a budget, and on your way to a strong financial foundation.

The average person pays off $9,405 of debt and saves $6,127 in the first twelve months, and you can too!

"This program is powerful yet simple to understand. The Baby Steps make understanding how to win with money easy! Dave's lessons are fun, informative, and incredibly encouraging. It really doesn't feel like I'm taking a financial course. It's more like learning finances from a good friend...or a financially savvy stand-up comedian! The online tools are fantastic as well, and I love being able to 'ASK DAVE' any question and do my budget online. Love it all!" - Recent participant

With SmartDollar, you'll learn how to...

  • Jump-start your money
  • Knock out debt
  • Secure your dream home
  • Retire in style
  • Demystify your credit score

How does SmartDollar work? With so many ways to engage in SmartDollar activities and content, SmartDollar Points have been designed to encourage users to establish true behavior change. (Check out the graph below for a quick rundown). The greater the importance and required time of each activity, the greater the amount of points that can be earned. For example, each Core Lesson video completed is worth 250 points. Completing a shorter Deep Dive video is worth 50 points. Tracking a transaction in EveryDollar is only worth 20 points, but users are encouraged to track all their financial transactions with no points limitations. These example activities are key for building the confidence you need to reach your financial goals.






 

Taking advantage of your free financial wellness benefit, SmartDollar, is easy!

To set up your account after accessing your dashboard, click either of the links shown as highlighted in the screenshot to the right of this paragraph. You'll be taken to a page with a SmartDollar enrollment link, where you will be able to set up immediate access to this important benefit.

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard

Read more >>


Wednesday, February 22, 2023   Spotlight on the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program

Celebrating Our First Two Years in Phoenix!

In Their Own Words: How Does the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program Benefit the Apprentices Enrolled?


In January 2021, WECA expanded into the state of Arizona and opened its first training facility in Phoenix's Sky Harbor Business Park under the skillful guidance of WECA Arizona Apprenticeship Manager and Instructor Keith Smart. 

We began instruction for our inaugural commercial electrical apprenticeship class in Arizona that month, training the employees of WECA Arizona founding member contractor Corbins. Corbins was soon joined by further member contractors and apprentices as word of the quality of WECA's program spread through Arizona. 

In May 2021, WECA's Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program also received college credit recommendations from the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). NCCRS college credit recommendations provide WECA commercial electrical apprentices in Arizona with the ability to gain access to college credit for completion of the program by using credit recommendations set forth by the NCCRS.

And in January 2023, WECA proudly graduated its inaugural Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2022 with a memorable graduation celebration at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Phoenix on Saturday, January 7th.

Our first two years in Arizona have been successful and gratifying, and we eagerly look forward to continuing to bring our world-class apprenticeship and training programs and business services for commercial electrical contractors to the Copper State. 

Read more >>


Wednesday, February 22, 2023   Low Voltage Apprentice Applicants in California: WECA Member Contractors Want YOU

Apply Today!

Get paid to start a new career as a Low Voltage Technician with WECA's Low Voltage Apprenticeship program. Get hands-on learning and real-world skills in the classroom and on-the-job, and get paid while doing it. We currently have high need for Low Voltage apprentice applicants in California, so click below to apply, or share this with someone looking to get trained for a well-paid career with no student debt.

Learn more about WECA's Low Voltage Apprenticeship program below.

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WECA's apprenticeship programs have been called the best in the West. High graduation rates; great reviews from apprentices and contractors alike; to-the-point, up-to-date curriculum and on-the-job training, and a dedicated, experienced teaching staff and administration all contribute to the success of these programs.

Each apprentice enrolled in the Low Voltage Apprenticeship program works under the supervision of a journeyperson technician installing and testing, servicing and maintaining systems utilizing the transmission and/or transference of voice, sound, video and digital signals for commercial, educational, security and entertainment purposes, as well as for fire, life and safety purposes.

A WECA apprentice's tuition costs are paid for by the WECA member contractors who employ them. WECA apprentices attend classes in an accelerated and intensive format consisting of full-time classroom training and hands-on labs for consecutive weeks every five to seven months. Each two-week session is equal to one semester of classroom instruction. The rest of the time, apprentices are learning on the job and getting paid to do it! No college debt here. This is the alternative path to a rewarding and well-paying career.

WECA's Low Voltage Apprenticeship program is a three-year commitment to classroom and paid on-the-job training. We're actively seeking apprentices for our member contractors in California. Right now, there's little to no wait time for qualified applicants, so what are you waiting for? Click here to learn more and apply today!

Not for you? Please forward this email to someone in California who might be interested!

Read more >>


Wednesday, February 22, 2023   WECA Utah: Pics from First Classes!

First Year, First Semester Commercial Electrical Apprentices Learn CPR in Virtual Reality; Apply Newfound Skills in Hands-On Labs









In WECA's Apprenticeship Program, the future of learning is today. Here are some pics of WECA's new first year, first semester Commercial Electrical apprentices in Utah utilizing Meta Quest VR headsets in the classroom last week, to learn how to safely and effectively administer CPR on-the-job. Exploring cutting-edge virtual reality for learning helps apprentices simulate real-world CPR conditions, gives them critical experience if the need arises, and sets them apart with advanced safety knowledge.

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Read more >>


Wednesday, February 22, 2023   The Jobsite Skills Acquisition Companion Guide for Electrician Trainees Pursuing the ET Program Cert

Also, Explore the Three Ways You Can Take the GetWired Path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate

WECA's Jobsite Skills Acquisition Companion Guide for Electrician Trainees pursuing the WECA ET Program Certification is meant to help you track your jobsite skills practice and progress. This guide can help you and your employer tie what you're learning in the classroom--especially if you've opted for fully online and/or self-paced course options--to what you're doing on the jobsite.



Download the guide here.

There are now three different ways for Electrician Trainees to take the WECA GetWired Path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate. Learn all about it with this video:


Read more >>


Wednesday, February 22, 2023   Make Every Cent You Earn During Your Apprenticeship Count

Take Advantage of WECA's Financial Wellness Benefit for Apprentices: SmartDollar


 

SmartDollar is a financial wellness benefit for WECA apprentices. We announced our partnership with the Dave Ramsey-founded online financial wellness platform in January, 2021 to provide our apprentices with a sound foundation in personal finance management. This benefit is available to all WECA apprentices free of charge. Not yet signed up for SmartDollar? No worries -- scroll to the bottom of this article for instructions!

What is SmartDollar? SmartDollar is a step-by-step approach to handling money with the number-one authority in personal finance, Dave Ramsey. More than 4.5 million people have started on Dave's plan and taken control of their money, and you can too! SmartDollar will equip you to get out of debt, on a budget, and on your way to a strong financial foundation.

The average person pays off $9,405 of debt and saves $6,127 in the first twelve months, and you can too!

"This program is powerful yet simple to understand. The Baby Steps make understanding how to win with money easy! Dave's lessons are fun, informative, and incredibly encouraging. It really doesn't feel like I'm taking a financial course. It's more like learning finances from a good friend...or a financially savvy stand-up comedian! The online tools are fantastic as well, and I love being able to 'ASK DAVE' any question and do my budget online. Love it all!" - Recent participant

With SmartDollar, you'll learn how to...

  • Jump-start your money
  • Knock out debt
  • Secure your dream home
  • Retire in style
  • Demystify your credit score

How does SmartDollar work? With so many ways to engage in SmartDollar activities and content, SmartDollar Points have been designed to encourage users to establish true behavior change. (Check out the graph below for a quick rundown). The greater the importance and required time of each activity, the greater the amount of points that can be earned. For example, each Core Lesson video completed is worth 250 points. Completing a shorter Deep Dive video is worth 50 points. Tracking a transaction in EveryDollar is only worth 20 points, but users are encouraged to track all their financial transactions with no points limitations. These example activities are key for building the confidence you need to reach your financial goals.






 

Taking advantage of your free financial wellness benefit, SmartDollar, is easy!

To set up your account after accessing your dashboard, click either of the links shown as highlighted in the screenshot to the right of this paragraph. You'll be taken to a page with a SmartDollar enrollment link, where you will be able to set up immediate access to this important benefit.

Ready to get started? Login to your GOWECA dashboard

Read more >>


Wednesday, January 25, 2023   Congratulations to the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2022!

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Gift Donors for Making Graduation Special! Plus, Watch the Graduation Video and Meet Some of Our Graduates



Thank you to our Arizona Graduation sponsors and gift donors for making the event extra special and memorable for our graduates and their guests!



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Watch: WECA Arizona Class of 2022 Graduation:



Meet Some of the Grads in Our First WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Graduating Class

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Erik Ramirez

Erik Ramirez, a WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2022 graduate, knew that his WECA education would be exceptional from the first class.

“After transitioning from a different institute over to WECA, in the first class I realized just how much better my education experience was going to be,” says Erik. “WECA’s staff is exceptional, and the instructor [Keith Smart, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program Manager and Instructor] was always there to support me and answer any question I had."

The quality of WECA’s education has also played a pivotal role in helping Erik prepare for his chosen career.

“Their curriculum offered a full range of topics that cover a lot of the fundamentals needed to succeed in this industry. Many of the hands-on labs were based on real-life situations in the field,” says Erik.

Additionally, Erik’s on-the-job training with his employer, WECA Arizona Founding Member Contractor Corbins, has provided opportunities to work alongside experienced coworkers and gain invaluable experience doing different scopes of work through various projects.

Outside of school and work, Erik credits his family with providing essential support every step of the way.

“The main factor that contributed to my success at WECA and in my career was and still is my family,” says Erik. “Without their support and motivation, I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today.”

However, we suspect that Erik’s ambition and tenacity has also propelled him along his journey, as evidenced by his post-graduation plans.

“My plans after graduating are to keep growing in my career and knowledge. I won’t settle with just a journeyperson title. I want to be part of the next generation of leaders in the electrical industry,” says Erik.

Congratulations, Erik! We are proud of your hard work, determination, and success, and are confident that you will make an excellent future leader for Arizona’s commercial electrical industry.

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Chase Quillin

For WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2022 graduate Chase Quillin, WECA’s Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program and instructor Keith Smart have given him a new perspective on the electrical industry.

“My WECA experience has consisted of constant learning and exposure to new ideas in the electrical field with real-world experience to back it up,” says Chase. “When I go to a job site now, I can understand what it is we are installing and why. With the preparation and knowledge gained at WECA, combined with the skills I’ve gained on-the-job, I am ready to tackle any task presented to me.”

Chase says this is all thanks to Keith Smart, WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program Manager and Instructor.

“Keith is an awesome instructor, and his experience is shown every day in class through his expounding on the material presented and ensuring everyone has a full understanding of the concepts presented,” says Chase.

Outside of the classroom, Chase’s employer – WECA Arizona Founding Member Contractor Corbins – has provided him with forepersons and journeyperson electricians who have not only led him, but showed him how to lead others. Such leadership gave Chase the opportunity to become a lead for his crew in the past year.

Thanks to his high-quality WECA education and steadfast guidance from his employer, Chase’s plans for the future are rock-solid.

“My goal is to continue refining my leadership skills, apply my credits [earned at WECA, whose apprenticeship programs have been awarded college credit recommendations by the National College Credit Recommendation Service] to an Associates degree, and I hope I get the opportunity to become a foreperson to continue passing on my knowledge,” says Chase.

Congratulations, Chase! We are pleased that WECA and Arizona Founding Member Contractor Corbins built up your leadership skills and paved the way for you to tackle the rest of your career in the commercial electrical industry! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

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Aaron Reali

WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2022 graduate Aaron Reali credits his WECA education with giving him confidence, helping him develop problem-solving skills, and presenting excellent opportunities to lead and learn, and Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program Manager and Instructor Keith Smart with making his time at WECA challenging and rewarding.

“My education and training at WECA were really centered on real-life situations, helped me learn how to problem solve situations at work, gave me the confidence to have conversations with my leads, foremen, and superintendents about the work we’re performing, and I have been given the opportunity [by employer Corbins, a WECA Arizona Founding Member Contractor] to lead teammates. Also, Keith deserves a lot of the credit for the progress a lot of us have made,” says Aaron.

Another benefit of his WECA education, Aaron says, is learning in the classroom alongside his coworkers.

“We can talk about what we learned in class and bounce ideas off each other,” says Aaron. “Keith contributed real work examples and cited personal experiences, which helped a lot of us grasp certain concepts. Hands-on activities in class also helped build confidence in my work.”

Looking back on his WECA experience, Aaron encourages current and future WECA students to ‘take it all in.’

“It goes by so quickly and before you know it, graduation is happening. Really take advantage of the experience and the training. You’ll be surprised what you’re capable of if you just apply yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and volunteer for any opportunity because those can be your door to the next great step in your career,” says Aaron.

When it comes to next steps, Aaron is already carving a definitive pathway for his career in the commercial electrical industry.

“I’ve been given a great opportunity to lead a couple of my teammates in a job we are in right now,” says Aaron. “I’m excited to complete this job and continue to lead in other jobs and soon become a foreman for a couple of years and then transition into a superintendent role. I also plan to work with apprentices and help them out on their path.”





 
Read more >>


Wednesday, January 25, 2023   WECA Riverside Training Facility Spotlight: Commercial Electrical Apprentices Getting It Done











Read more >>


Wednesday, January 25, 2023   Low Voltage Apprentice Applicants in High Demand in Los Angeles, Orange, and Kern Counties

WECA Member Contractors Want YOU: Apply Today!


 

Get paid to start a new career as a Low Voltage Technician with WECA's Low Voltage Apprenticeship program. Get hands-on learning and real-world skills in the classroom and on-the-job, and get paid while doing it. We currently have high need for Low Voltage apprentice applicants from Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Kern County, so click below to apply, or share this with someone looking to get trained for a well-paid career with no student debt.

Learn more about WECA's Low Voltage Apprenticeship program below.

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WECA's apprenticeship programs have been called the best in the West. High graduation rates; great reviews from apprentices and contractors alike; to-the-point, up-to-date curriculum and on-the-job training, and a dedicated, experienced teaching staff and administration all contribute to the success of these programs.

Each apprentice enrolled in the Low Voltage Apprenticeship program works under the supervision of a journeyperson technician installing and testing, servicing and maintaining systems utilizing the transmission and/or transference of voice, sound, video and digital signals for commercial, educational, security and entertainment purposes, as well as for fire, life and safety purposes.

A WECA apprentice's tuition costs are paid for by the WECA member contractors who employ them. WECA apprentices attend classes in an accelerated and intensive format consisting of full-time classroom training and hands-on labs for consecutive weeks every five to seven months. Each two-week session is equal to one semester of classroom instruction. The rest of the time, apprentices are learning on the job and getting paid to do it! No college debt here. This is the alternative path to a rewarding and well-paying career.

WECA's Low Voltage Apprenticeship program is a three-year commitment to classroom and paid on-the-job training. We're actively seeking apprentices for our member contractors in California--especially in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Kern County. Right now, there's little to no wait time for qualified applicants, so what are you waiting for? Click here to learn more and apply today!

Not for you? Please forward this email to someone who might be interested -- especially if they also live in Los Angeles County, Orange County, or Kern County!

Read more >>


Wednesday, January 25, 2023   Continue Your Journey Toward an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate This February

Take Advantage of Late Enrollment Fees Waived on Select Instructor-Led GetWired Classes Running in the First Half of the Month

No matter where you are in your Electrician Trainee Program Certificate journey, GetWired has just the class to bring you one step closer to completion.

This February, we've waived late enrollment fees on select instructor-led GetWired 102, 103, 104, 202, 203, 204, and 302 classes running in the first half of the month -- some of which are offered with your choice of onsite in-person labs or online labs. Classes start soon, so don't wait -- visit our course catalog to enroll in your desired course today!

And if you prefer to get things done on your own time, at your own pace, be sure to check out the self-paced online course option for GetWired 101-104.

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GetWired 102: Introduction to the Basic Installation of Lighting Fixtures and Branch Circuits, is the second course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 42-hour course expands on the theories and applications taught in our 101 courses. Core competencies include: GFCI and AFCI; series circuits and parallel circuits; luminaries, fixtures, ballasts, and lamps, and more.

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GetWired 103: Continuation of Lighting Branch Circuits & Introduction to Special Purpose Outlets, is the third course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 42-hour course focuses on installing lighting branch-circuits in dwelling units while exploring NEC requirements for safe installations and standard industry practices. Core competencies include: conduction in liquid and gases; batteries and other sources of electricity; inrush current, voltage drop and use of Ohm's Law in calculating basic measurements, and more.

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GetWired 104: Special Systems & Single-Phase Transformer Theory in Residential Electrical Applications, is the fourth course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 42-hour course expands your area of expertise into a variety of special applications. Core competencies include: single-phase transformers; special purpose outlets for electric heating and air conditioning; gas and oil central heating systems, and more.

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GetWired 202: Three-Phase Electrical Systems, Conductors and Overcurrent Protection, Grounding, Wiring Methods, Basic Trigonometry and Vectors, is the sixth course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 36-hour course expands on the concepts and skills built in the 201 courses. Topics covered include: conductors and overcurrent protection; types of three-phase transformers; three-phase transformer calculations and connections, and more.

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GetWired 203: Raceway Systems, Switchboards and Panelboards, DC Motors, Three-Phase Alternators and Motors, is the seventh course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 39-hour course expands on skills built in earlier courses. Topics covered include: wiring materials; DC motor; sizing branch circuits, and more.

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GetWired 204: Transformers, Special Locations and Single-Phase Motors, is the eighth course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 39-hour course expands on skills taught in previous courses. Topics covered include: transformers; special locations; hazardous locations, more.

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GetWired 302: Blueprint Reading Part 2: Electrical Work for Commercial Construction from the Ground Up, Part 2, is the tenth course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

Key course subjects in this 42-hour course include: public utility requirements; electrical room layout; floor types and planning conduit runs, and more.

 

 


 

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Wednesday, January 25, 2023   WECA Commercial Electrical Apprentices: Important Health Benefit Summary and Notice Updates Within

Dear WECA Commercial Electrical Apprentices,

To view your health benefit summaries and annual notices, please login at www.goweca.com. Use your WECA student ID number and password to login, then navigate to "Commercial Apprentice Benefits."

The WECA health insurance provider is United Healthcare, which includes medical (HMO/PPO), dental (PPO), vision (PPO), Life/ADD and STD/LTD.

Please note that the United Healthcare dental PPO ID card only displays the subscriber's name. If dependents are covered, their name will not be displayed on the dental ID card.

Additionally, please note that United Healthcare does not send out vision ID cards. You may visit www.myuhcvision.com and register with United Healthcare (if you are not already registered) to print out a vision ID card.

If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Cormier, Insurance Administrator, at ccormier@goweca.com or at 877-444-9322 ext. 117.

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