Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.

Already Belong? Login

Journeyman News + Events

Wednesday, May 24, 2023   Safety First: WECA Observes Construction Safety Week and National Electrical Safety Month

It's National Electrical Safety Month! Within National Electrical Safety Month, the construction and electrical industries also observe Construction Safety Week (May 1-5).

Safety is of paramount importance to WECA and our Member Contractors. It's a significant focus throughout the curriculum for our apprenticeship, electrician trainee, and continuing education programs.

Scroll below to learn more about how WECA and our Member Contractors have highlighted safety this month.

--------------------------------------------

WECA Details Recent Enhancements to WECA Apprenticeship Safety Curriculum

WECA’s Apprenticeship Curriculum Development team has recently worked on three enhanced and redesigned lessons that built on prior safety lessons to take WECA’s prioritization of safety in its curriculum to new heights.

“Safety training is one of our top concerns at WECA – especially electrical safety, given the nature of our apprentices’ work,” says Tom Thompson, WECA’s Curriculum Development Manager. “This is why we have been continuously enriching the electrical safety content throughout our Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship programs. We are now in the process of integrating several new and improved lessons that focus on the practical application of NFPA 70E standards and processes.”

Tom credits Joshua Simpson, WECA’s newest addition to our Apprenticeship Curriculum Development team, with further enhancing our safety trainings around key safety procedures and processes as outlined in NFPA 70E.

“It’s our belief that thorough and practical safety training leads to fewer incidents and accidents. By improving our already comprehensive safety content, we sleep better at night knowing that we are doing our utmost to serve students,” says Tom. “By strengthening our safety content, we are doing our part to look out for them by ensuring that they have every tool we can give them, so they can go home and be with their families at the end of every workday.”

Topics expanded upon in the recent electrical safety content enrichment include an overview of NFPA 70E and instructions on how to recognize and protect against electrical hazards for novice, intermediate, and advanced apprentices; how to establish designated boundaries around energized work zones; how to interpret and conduct an electrical hazard risk assessment; how to select appropriate PPE for specific electrical risks, and how to recognize an arc flash hazard and its associated risks, and implementing required protection measures.

“The first of our recently enhanced lessons, “Electrically Safe Working Conditions,” is given during an apprentice’s first year and focuses on electrical hazard awareness and elimination using lockout/tagout procedures. Its objectives are to teach students to identify and describe electrically safe working conditions,” says Joshua. “The other two lessons we’ve recently expanded are given during an apprentices’ final year and focus on mitigating electrical hazards during energized work through risk assessment and the creation of an energized work zone. Designated boundaries are used to restrict access into the energized work zone to only qualified persons, so these lessons are designed to walk students through setting up these work zones, while risk assessment methods are utilized to evaluate the level of risk associated with a given task prior to beginning. The second lesson, “Work Involving Electrical Hazards,” teaches students how to identify electrical hazards, implement hazard controls, utilize the NFPA 70E to determine PPE selection, and utilize the NFPA 70E to determine shock and arc flash boundaries. The third lesson, “Risk Assessment and Control,” teaches students competency in identifying factors that affect the risk associated with a given task or situation, demonstrates different methods of risk control, and demonstrates how to calculate risk and utilizes the hierarchy of risk controls.”

We are grateful to Joshua, Tom, and the rest of our Curriculum Development team for interweaving safety best practices so intensely into WECA’s curriculum to ensure that our Apprentices, Electrician Trainees, and Continuing Education students always approach jobsites with a ‘safety first and foremost’ mindset.

--------------------------------------------

Social Media Reshares: Some Examples of How WECA Member Contractors Incorporate a "Safety First and Foremost" Mindset into Their Companies' Cultures

Rex Moore Group Inc.



K2 Electric



Hunt Electric, Inc.



Corbins



Bergelectric



--------------------------------------------

WECA Highlights Safety Courses in Partnership with Educational Partner ClickSafety



WECA offers myriad safety courses for Journeyperson Continuing Education students and Electrician Trainees in partnership with educational partner ClickSafety! From OSHA trainings in English and Spanish to Health and Safety Leadership with NFPA 70E, there's something at everyone's fingertips to stay up-to-date on and knowledgeable about jobsite health and safety best practices. See all of the safety courses we offer here.

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   WECA Utah Apprenticeship Training Center Open House and Ribbon-Cutting

WECA held our Utah Ribbon Cutting and Open House at our brand-new, state-of-the-art training facility in Woods Cross, Utah on April 12.

We were gratified to be joined by a tremendous number of employees from WECA Utah Founding Member Contractor Hunt Electric, Inc., Utah Member Contractor Helix Electric, local dignitaries, members of the Salt Lake City business community, and WECA Board Members and Trustees.

Notable attendees included Cody Eaton, Hunt Electric's Operations Manager; Greg Anderson, Human Resources Director for longtime WECA Member Contractor Rex Moore Group; Rhonda Perkes, Director of Community Outreach for Congressman Chris Stewart of Utah's Second Congressional District, and Melissa Ballard, Representative for the Utah House of Representatives District 20.

During the event, attendees got to network with industry peers, meet the WECA team, tour the new facility, view our high-tech labs, enjoy food and libations, and listen to remarks from fellow attendees. Among those who spoke at the event were Cody Eaton, Greg Anderson, Melissa Ballard, and Rhonda Perkes (who also presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony).

"Rhonda Perkes cut the ribbon on behalf of Congressman Stewart and welcomed WECA to Woods Cross and Utah," recalls Richard Markuson, WECA's Government Affairs Director. "Then Utah House Representative Melissa Ballard followed with comments on the value of career preparation opportunities like apprenticeships and their value to the Utah economy. Cody Eaton and his apprentices and coworkers explained how WECA's core values fit with theirs, which has allowed Hunt to grow from a handful of electricians to over 700 employees. The storm clouds gathering over the Valley, which produced snow the next day, didn't dampen spirits. All in attendance agreed it was a win-win for Utah, Utah electricians, and Utah contractors."

Thank you, Utah, for the warm welcome! We're thrilled to serve the state of Utah with our federally-approved and Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing-recognized Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program in Woods Cross, and look forward to educating, training, and supporting Utah's future merit shop electricians and electrical contractors.













Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   Introducing the Next Self-Paced GetWired Online Option: GetWired 203

Introducing the Next Self-Paced Online Option for Our GetWired Electrician Trainee Program Series:

GetWired 203: Self-Paced Raceway Systems, Switchboards and Panelboards, DC Motors, Three-Phase Alternators and Motors

Take It on Your Own Time, at Your Own Pace!

WECA is excited to announce another way students can take GetWired 203, the seventh class in WECA's Path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate!

We've long offered GetWired 203 as an instructor-led online course with one hands-on lab on a Saturday. And we still do!

But for students who would prefer to take this course at their own pace, on their own time, we're now offering a fully self-paced online option, just like we've been offering for earlier courses in the GetWired series! Students who might prefer this format include:

  • Students with job, childcare, or other obligations preventing them from taking the instructor-led scheduled courses in the evenings
  • Students who would benefit from being able to review the material at a slower pace, such as students for whom English is a second language
  • Students who just prefer to work on the coursework at times and places when it works best for them
-----------------------------------------

WECA's new GetWired 203 Self-Paced Option is an entirely online, self-paced alternative version of our GetWired 203 course, which expands on the concepts and skills built in earlier courses. Topics covered include:

  • Wiring materials
  • Raceway systems and cable assemblies
  • Switchboards and panelboards
  • DC motors
  • Sizing branch circuits -- Part 2 -- interactive lab
  • Three-phase alternators and motors
  • Equipment for general use

GetWired 203 Self-Paced includes an independent study project that you must complete to earn course credit. The project is designed to help you develop the on-the-job skills you need to be an expert electrician. This course is loaded with interactive practice and an online, self-guided lab to ensure that skills covered in class can be applied on-the-job.

  • Total class hours available: 39
  • Standard Tuition Fee: $389

If all of this sounds like it would work for you,

enroll in GetWired 203 Self-Paced Online today!

Think you'd prefer being able to interact with an instructor and learn along with other students, on a schedule two evenings a week, including one onsite in-person lab on a Saturday?

Enroll in an upcoming instance of the original GetWired 203 here!

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   Journeypersons and Electrician Trainees: Get 16 Hours with Basic Motor Controls 2; San Diego; June

Journeyperson Continuing Education Students and Electrician Trainees: Continue Learning the Basics of Motor Controls and Earn 16 Journeyperson Continuing Education or Electrician Trainee Hours with

Basic Motor Controls, Part 2 in San Diego

on June 10 and June 17

Just a Few Spots Remain -- Snag Yours Before It's Gone

Build on what you learned in Basic Motor Controls, Part 1 by getting further hands-on experience building control circuits for motors.

In the lab-based course, Basic Motor Controls, Part 2, working on a motor controls training board with up to one other student partner, you will learn about and gain experience with:

  • Sequential starting of multiple motors
  • Control relays and their common applications
  • Timers and timing logic -- for example, on delay, off delay, etc.

Total class hours available: 16

Standard tuition fee: $229

Learn more about and enroll in Basic Motor Controls, Part 2, on June 10 and June 17 in San Diego.

Need class hours, but these dates don't work? Check out WECA's wide variety of other continuing education offerings for Journeypersons and Electrician Trainees, including fully-online and self-paced options!

Check out WECA's Electrician Trainee course catalog here

Check out WECA's Journeyperson Continuing Education course catalog here

Have questions or need assistance? Call us at 877-444-9322 or email us at info@goweca.com.

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   It's Mental Health Awareness Month

Foster Positive Mental Health in Your Workplace with These Toolbox Talks from Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP)

Content courtesy of CIASP

According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups. To combat these statistics, construction industry professionals must work together to STAND up for suicide prevention.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, do your part to foster positive mental health in your workplace. Start today by downloading relevant Toolbox Talks from CIASP below.

Download the Toolbox Talks here

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   Ewing Foley Conducts "Firestop 101" Training for Low Voltage Apprentices at WECA's California HQ









WECA thanks Pierce Philip of Ewing Foley for coming by WECA's California headquarters in Rancho Cordova on Wednesday, May 17 to provide a special "Firestop 101" training for our Low Voltage Apprentices!

All attendees received a certified firestop installer certification as well as two BICSI credits/CECs.

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   WECA Industry Partner Desert States Showcases Safety Products During Visit to WECA AZ HQ

WECA Industry Partner Desert States Electrical Sales Showcases nVent Caddy Fastenings and Support Products During Visit to First Year Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class at WECA Arizona HQ



On Tuesday, May 9, the WECA Phoenix Training Center had a guest: Tony Rowe, President of WECA Industry Partner Desert States Electrical Sales.

During his visit, Tony addressed a class of first year Commercial Electrical Apprentices, and showcased a variety of caddy fastening and support products from nVent. Apprentices were able to learn about and handle products that will make them more efficient on projects in the field.

Desert States Electrical Sales is an electrical manufacturers' representative agency covering the Arizona and Southern Nevada markets, and has been serving the territory for over 18 years.

?WECA is proud to have Desert States Electrical Sales as an Industry Partner and appreciates their president coming out to support our apprentices!

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   Commercial Electrical Apprentice Applicants in Demand in Shasta, Napa, and Sonoma Counties

WECA Member Contractors Want YOU: APPLY TODAY!



Want to start a dynamic new career that PAYS YOU to learn? You're in luck -- WECA Member Contractors have a high need for Commercial Electrical Apprentice applicants in California's Shasta County, Napa County, and Sonoma County. Learn more about WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program below! 

--------------------------------------------

High Demand = Little to No Wait Time for Qualified Applicants

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 Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program works and learns under the supervision of a journeyperson electrician, gaining expertise in such skills as the installation of electrical distribution centers, panel boards, sub panels, conduit systems, motor controls, lighting, fire alarms, green and smart technologies, and temporary wiring in commercial buildings.

The Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program is a commitment to classroom and paid on-the-job training. A WECA apprentice's school tuition costs are paid 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 two 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 is actively seeking apprentices for our Member Contractors in these areas and there is little-to-no wait time for qualified applicants. Learn more and apply today!

Not for you? Already an apprentice? Please share this opportunity with anyone in this region who might be interested!

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 24, 2023   WECA Apprentices: Focus on Budgeting in June with SmartDollar, Your WECA Financial Wellness Benefit

Not Yet Signed up for SmartDollar? Learn How to Get Started Below


 

Content courtesy of SmartDollar

The most important thing when it comes to winning with finances is budgeting and unfortunately, it’s also the thing people struggle with the most.

June’s focus is on budgeting and SmartDollar has all the tools you need to learn how to budget and start winning with your finances.  

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:



-----------------------------------------

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 >>


Thursday, April 27, 2023   New pics of first year, first semester Utah Commercial Electrical Apprentices!

New pics from our new Utah Apprenticeship program!

First year, first semester Commercial Electrical apprentices in the classroom and in the lab
















 

Read more >>


Thursday, April 27, 2023   Get an up-close look at WECA's GetWired Electrician Trainee Program Certificate for California

Online Education Manager and Instructor Galen and Lead Instructor Bill for WECA's GetWired Electrician Trainee Certificate Program take you through an up-close look at the program and its benefits.

This convenient, four-year, instructor-led, primarily-online program is the independent alternative to apprenticeship and also readies students to take the California General or Residential Electrician Certification exam.

More electrician trainees in California choose WECA's well-regarded program over any other school. See why:

Read more >>


Thursday, April 27, 2023   WECA Summer Session (Jul - Sep 2023) courses now available online for enrollment

WECA Summer Session (Jul - Sep 2023) now available online for enrollment for Electrician Trainees and Journey Worker Continuing Education

Announcement for WECA Electrician Trainees and Journey Worker Continuing Education Students: Our Summer 2023 (Jul - Sep) course catalog is now available on our website, and GetWired instructor-led classes always fill quickly. Be sure to enroll ASAP to get your spot!

View the Electrician Trainee course catalog

Jump to the Journey Worker continuing education course catalog

You can also enroll over the phone at (877) 444-9322, in person at our Rancho Cordova training facility, or by email at info@goweca.com.

Don't wait to secure your seat!





---------------------------------------------------------------------

And remember: there are now three different ways to take GetWired

Watch our explainer video and get all your questions answered:


 

Read more >>


Thursday, April 27, 2023   Introducing the next self-paced GetWired course option GetWired 202

Introducing the next self-paced online option for our GetWired Electrician Trainee Program series:

GetWired 202: Self-Paced Three-Phase Electrical Systems, Conductors and Overcurrent Protection, Grounding, Wiring Methods, Basic Trigonometry and Vectors

Take it on your own time, at your own pace!


 

WECA is excited to announce another way students can take GetWired 202, the sixth class in WECA's Path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate!

We've long offered GetWired 202 as an instructor-led online course with one hands-on lab on a Saturday. And we still do!

But for students who would prefer to take this course at their own pace, on their own time, we're now offering a fully self-paced online option, just like we've been offering for earlier courses in the GetWired series! Students who might prefer this format include:

  • Students with job, childcare, or other obligations preventing them from taking the instructor-led scheduled courses in the evenings
  • Students who would benefit from being able to review the material at a slower pace, such as students for whom English is a second language
  • Students who just prefer to work on the coursework at times and places when it works best for them
-------------------------------------------------------------------

WECA's new GetWired 202 Self-Paced Option is an entirely online, self-paced alternative version of our GetWired 202 course, which expands on the concepts and skills built in earlier courses. Topics covered include:

  • Conductors and overcurrent protection
  • Types of three-phase transformers
  • Three-phase transformer calculations and connections
  • Grounding
  • Wiring methods
  • Basic trigonometry and vectors
  • Sizing branch circuits – Part 1 – interactive lab

GetWired 202 Self-Paced includes project-based learning designed to help you develop the on-the-job skills you need to be an expert electrician. This course is loaded with interactive practice and an online, self-guided lab to ensure that skills covered in class can be applied on-the-job.

  • Total class hours available: 36
  • Standard Tuition Fee: $389


If all of this sounds like it would work for you,

enroll in GetWired 202 Self-Paced Online today!

Think you'd prefer being able to interact with an instructor and learn along with other students, on a schedule two evenings a week, including one onsite in-person lab on a Saturday?

Enroll in an upcoming instance of the original GetWired 202 here!

 

Read more >>


Thursday, April 27, 2023   GetWired 101 is the first step to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate from WECA

GetWired 101: Fundamentals of Electrical Theory and Introduction to the National Electrical Code is the first step on your journey to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate from WECA

The alternate educational path to apprenticeship

Start your Electrician Trainee Program Certificate journey with GetWired 101: Fundamentals of Electrical Theory and Introduction to the National Electrical Code.

GetWired 101 is the first course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

GetWired 101 is an entirely online course which introduces fundamental electrical laws and theory and explains how the National Electrical Code (NEC) governs the installations of electrical wiring and equipment. Core competencies include:

  • Refresher on basic math skills applied to electrical calculations
  • General information on electrical installations
  • Introduction to hand and power tools used in the field
  • Electrical symbols and receptacle outlets
  • Atomic structure
  • Electrical quantities and Ohm's Law
  • Static electricity and magnetism
  • Resistors
  • Conductors
  • Voltage drop and neutral sizing for services
  • Wiring methods
  • Switch control of lighting circuits, receptacle installation, bonding, and induction heating

Safety best practices are covered along with tips on study skills. In this course, math equations are applied to the safe and sound wiring and load choices for electrical installations, troubleshooting and maintenance. Theories are discussed and applied to on-the-job situations and tasks.

Total class hours available: 40

Standard tuition fee: $319

------------------------------------------------------

Choose from two ways to take GetWired 101!
 

Want to take the course while guided by an instructor?

The next course instance starts May 1!

We've waived the late fees for you:

Enroll in the next instructor-led GetWired 101 here!
 

Prefer to take this class on your own time, at your own pace? 

?Enroll in GetWired 101 Self-Paced here!

 

 

Read more >>


Thursday, April 27, 2023   April is Second Chance Month, highlighting providing second chances to justice-involved individuals

April is Second Chance Month, highlighting opportunities to provide second chances to justice-involved individuals

Learn more about WECA's past and current contributions to helping justice-involved individuals secure employment in the electrical industry


The United States Department of Justice recently proclaimed April 2023 as “Second Chance Month.” Second Chance Month works to ‘provide second chances to individuals who are currently or previously were incarcerated by the federal justice system. Executive clemency is a powerful tool that can alleviate barriers to reentry, in securing steady employment, safe housing, quality health care, educational opportunities, the right to vote, and loans for a home or business.’

Over the years, WECA has helped provide avenues of reentry for justice-involved individuals in California through our electrical industry education. Christine Hall, WECA’s Director of Operations, was recently reminded of WECA’s contributions to the justice-involved community through an email she received from J. Joe Roman, a former vocational electrical instructor at Centinela State Prison in Imperial, California.

In 2008, Roman reached out to and worked with Christine and WECA to register incarcerated vocational electrical students at Centinela State Prison into WECA’s Electrician Trainee Program. This project – contingent upon an individual’s release date and successful completion of the Electrician Trainee Program – ensured that individuals were legally able to work in the electrical trade and effectively transition back into society and into the electrical field upon their release.

“I know that many of my ex-inmate students successfully did well after serving time and recidivism with your electrical program,” says Roman.

Christine says “It reminds me that we don’t always see the impact that our collective efforts at WECA have on individuals, or even the impacts that our individual efforts have. I continue to be proud of our team, which cares so much about our members and students, and which strives to always improve. What a great impact our collective efforts have had on countless lives.”

The work continues to this day.

Diane Trotter, WECA’s Workforce Development Supervisor in California has connected with various organizations that serve the justice-involved population through events she regularly attends. Meanwhile, in Arizona, Heath Anderson, WECA’s new Outreach and Workforce Development Specialist, hopes to leverage his previous work with a Phoenix-area workforce development department’s justice-involved job preparation program, and with a workforce developer for a Phoenix-based organization that focuses on long-term employment stability for previously incarcerated individuals, to extend opportunities in our Arizona program to those seeking to make a change.

WECA is gratified that our electrical industry training helps provide second chances to justice-involved individuals in the areas we serve. Though Second Chance Month is concluding soon, WECA looks forward to continuing to find opportunities to educate justice-involved individuals in our communities who are ready to turn their lives around. 

Read more >>


Thursday, April 27, 2023   May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Apprentices -- your complimentary SmartDollar financial benefit has tools to help you reduce your financial stress; take advantage today




 

Content courtesy of SmartDollar

How Does Money Make You Feel?

Money can play a major role in how you feel mentally. Some people feel stressed while waiting for their next payday. Others have no idea that money is even the cause of their depression and anxiety.

SmartDollar can help you feel better about money. We'll show you how to crush your financial goals and kick money-related anxiety to the curb. Access your account here to get started.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

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 >>


Thursday, April 27, 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   Women in Construction Week 2023 recap

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



--------------------------------------------------------

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!

---------------------------------------------------------

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!” 

--------------------------------------------------------

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!

--------------------------------------------------------

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!

--------------------------------------------------------

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! 







--------------------------------------------------------

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:



---------------------------------------------------------------------

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 >>


Today 
RadDatePicker
Open the calendar popup.
Categories:
select
Locations:
select
AprilMay 2023June
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10