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Friday, May 19, 2023   A Look at How the WECA Utah Electrical Apprenticeship Program Benefits Utah Electrical Contractors

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Friday, May 19, 2023   WECA Apprenticeship Outreach Team Hosts Events for Sacramento-Area High Schoolers at WECA's CA HQ











The WECA Apprenticeship Outreach team recently hosted some fun and informational half-day events for Sacramento-area high school students at our California headquarters in Rancho Cordova.

Students heard personal anecdotes about apprenticeship from fourth-year Commercial Electrical Apprentice Skylar Cloninger and took part in hands-on labs facilitated by instructor Jimmie Slemp in which they got to learn directly from a WECA apprentice.

Ian Vander Linden of WECA Member Contractor K S Telecom, who also serves on WECA's Board of Directors, additionally shared insights with the students during the event.

It was great to inspire them to pursue careers in the electrical and low voltage industries, and we can't wait to see them in our classrooms and labs!

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Friday, May 19, 2023   WECA Industry Partner Desert States Electrical Sales Visits WECA Arizona 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!

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Friday, May 19, 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 >>


Friday, May 19, 2023   WECA; Corbins Join Grand Canyon University's Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians Initiative



WECA Arizona Outreach and Workforce Development Specialist Heath Anderson and WECA Arizona founding Member Contractor Corbins attended the first Advisory Board meeting for the Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians at Grand Canyon University. Heath -- who also sits on the Advisory Board committee -- thanks Grand Canyon University for giving WECA the opportunity to further connect with Arizona construction, electrical, and educational organizations and help advance the Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians initiative!
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Friday, May 19, 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

Encourage Your Electrician Trainee Employees to Take It on Their Own Time, at Their 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 your Electrician Trainee employees 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! Electrician Trainee employees who might prefer this format include:

  • Those with job, childcare, or other obligations preventing them from taking the instructor-led scheduled courses in the evenings
  • Those who would benefit from being able to review the material at a slower pace, such as students for whom English is a second language
  • Those who just prefer to work on the coursework at times and places when it works best for them
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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 your employees must complete to earn course credit. The project is designed to help them develop the on-the-job skills they 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 your Electrician Trainee employees, encourage them to

enroll in GetWired 203 Self-Paced Online today!

Think they'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? Encourage them to

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

Read more >>


Friday, May 19, 2023   A Message from WECA Industry Partner CFEC to San Diego-Area WECA Members




 

An invitation from WECA Industry Partner CFEC:

On Wednesday, May 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., we will hold our annual CFEC fundraising event at Pacific Rim Mechanical in San Diego.

We will be joined by several elected officials who would like to hear from you, including the person we need to have elected to the County Board of Supervisors! We will also update you on what is going on regarding CEQA abuse (greenmail), Skilled and Trained Workforce, and PLAs.

The PLA threat in San Diego is growing in public and private work. These threats include:

  1. City of San Diego
  2. County of San Diego
  3. Port of San Diego: all work
  4. Community Choice Aggregation: all work
  5. School bonds in the region
  6. Private projects targeted by unions using the CEQA process (we track this here)
  7. MTS: all work
  8. City of La Mesa: all work
  9. Legislation at the California State Capitol dealing with PLAs and Skilled and Trained Workforce

At the event, we will discuss what is being done about all of these and how you can help. We will also update you on three other lawsuits we are involved in to help fight these threats.

Our goal is to match last year's support, which was over $100,000 for these efforts!

Can we count on you?

If so, complete the attached form and send it in today. You can even donate today via credit card here. You can also pass this email and the attached flyer and response form on to others in the industry (suppliers, competitors, and associations) who need to be in this fight!

Please let us know if you can join us, as we have much to discuss (and the food and wine are also pretty good).

Yours in the fight,

Eric Christen

Executive Director

Coalition for Fair Employment in Construction

858-431-6337

ericdchristen@gmail.com

www.opencompca.com

Download the registration form here

Download the event flyer here (and be sure to share it with others in the industry who may be interested!)

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Friday, May 19, 2023   It's Mental Health Awareness Month: Foster Positive Mental Health in Your Workplace with CIASP

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, contractors, unions, associations, industry service providers and project owners 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

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Friday, May 19, 2023   An Invitation to Southern California WECA Members: Join WECA at 2023 Lincoln Reagan Dinner

An Invitation to Southern California WECA Members

WECA's Sponsoring a Table at the 2023 Lincoln Reagan Dinner -- One of the Largest Republican Dinners in the United States, Bringing Together Over 700 California Business and Political Leaders

Dear WECA Members in Southern California,

WECA has purchased a table at the Republican Party of San Diego County's 2023 Lincoln Reagan Dinner. The Lincoln Reagan Dinner -- which is one of the largest Republican dinners in the United States, bringing together over 700 top elected officials, candidates, companies, business leaders, and affiliated groups from across California -- will take place on Saturday, June 3 in San Diego.

This year's dinner will be held at the Marriott Marquis in Downtown San Diego and will feature an awards ceremony, a keynote address by US Senator James Lankford (R - OK), and a Cigars & Cocktails After-Party with entertainment by San Diego's own Roman Palacios.

USA Today has called the Republican Party of San Diego County "one of the best-organized and active local Republican parties...".

The Lincoln Reagan Dinner is an opportunity for business leaders and affiliated groups to show support for local leaders who support fair and open competition.

Tickets are complimentary to WECA members, but are first-come, first serve -- act fast if you're interested in joining us! We have six tickets available. Please contact Richard Markuson, WECA Government Affairs Director, at richard@pacificadvocacygroup.com to reserve yours.

Details:

When: Saturday, June 3

Where: Marriott Marquis, Downtown San Diego

What: 5 p.m. reception | 6 p.m. dinner | 8 p.m. "Off-the-Record" After-Party

Fee: Complimentary to WECA members; tickets are first-come, first-serve

Dress Code: Business/Cocktail Formal

Thank you,

The WECA Team

Read more >>


Friday, May 19, 2023   COVID-19 Resources for WECA Member Contractors

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Thursday, May 4, 2023   Relive the WECA Utah Open House and Ribbon-Cutting with Our Video, Pictures, and Article

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.















 
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Thursday, May 4, 2023   Read: Further Enhancements to WECA Apprenticeship Safety Curriculum

Part of WECA's Commitment to Highlighting the Importance of Safety This Construction Safety Week, National Electrical Safety Month, and Beyond

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 Tom, Joshua, 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.

Read more >>


Thursday, May 4, 2023   Sacramento CCC Corpsmembers Explore WECA Programs During Visit to WECA CA HQ

Sacramento Energy California Conservation Corpsmembers Explore WECA Apprenticeship and Electrician Trainee Programs During Career Exploration Week Visit to WECA's California HQ







WECA was pleased to host Sacramento Energy California Conservation Corpsmembers during their visit to WECA for their Career Exploration Week on April 25.

Thirty Corpsmembers and staff members visited WECA's California headquarters in Rancho Cordova for a talk, demonstration, and tour of the training facility.

"The Corpsmembers asked great questions about how to become an electrician, the application process to become an apprentice, and how they can "Jump Start" their careers as electricians through WECA's Electrician Trainee Program," says Diane Trotter, WECA's Workforce Development Supervisor.

Additionally, Jessica Damian, the Career and Transition Navigator for the Sacramento and Fresno Energy California Conservation Centers, reports that Corpsmembers were inspired by their WECA visit.

"Sacramento Energy California Conservation Corpsmembers receive training in basic electrical wiring and energy retrofits at the CCC," says Jessica. "They were grateful for the opportunity to visit WECA to connect their training experience and learn about apprenticeship and electrician trainee pathways. They were able to explore the training facility and interact with students and staff. They were especially inspired by a hands-on fiberglass fusion presentation from instructor Randy Rivera. Following the tour, several Corpsmembers expressed their interest in applying to WECA to begin their electrical career."

Thank you, Sacramento Energy California Conservation Center and Corpsmembers for your visit! We're delighted that the experience inspired several of you to apply to join WECA's programs, and look forward to seeing you in class (whether in-person or online)!

Read more >>


Thursday, May 4, 2023   WECA's Student Referral Service Has Qualified Electrician Trainees Ready to Work in Your Area

Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, and Solano Counties

Are you looking to hire Electrician Trainees? We have qualified individuals in the Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin, and Solano county areas looking to get referred to a WECA Member Contractor through our Student Referral Service. Don't see your county listed? Let us know of your interest anyhow; new participants sign up every week.

What is this service?

free job referral service that introduces our current Electrician Trainee, Journeyman, and WECA-grad job seekers to Member Contractors to help you meet your staffing needs. It's included with your membership!

Who does this benefit?

Everyone! WECA Member Contractors are referred qualified, WECA-trained applicants to help meet their staffing needs. And in turn, WECA student and grad participants get valuable job referrals.

How does this differ from the WECA Job Board?

WECA's current Electrical and Low Voltage Industry Job Board is a self-service portal where members and electrical and low voltage employment job seekers submit and review resumes and job postings online.

This service provides additional customer service by having WECA staff supply you with hands-on referrals. In other words -- we take some of the hard work off your plate!

The Student Referral Service refers employees to you, and you hire them directly.

To receive referrals from WECA's Student Referral Service, please contact Trisha Hughes, Client Services ET/CE Specialist, at 877-444-9322 ext. 120 or at thughes@goweca.com.

Read more >>


Thursday, May 4, 2023   Employee Development as a Talent Magnet: Upcoming May 11 Webinar from Mineral

Employee Development as a Talent Magnet: Upcoming May 11 Webinar from Mineral (A Complimentary Human Resources Member Benefit for WECA Member Contractors)

And, This Construction Safety Week and National Electrical Safety Month, Access 153 Safety Trainings and Over 100 Safety-Related Articles Through Mineral


Content courtesy of Mineral:

Need a hand with employee development and engaging training? Check out Mineral's upcoming webinar!

Thursday, May 11, 2023
10:00 AM PT | 1:00 PM ET

Upskilling and reskilling employees can help small businesses stay competitive in a rapidly changing business environment by retaining great employees and creating more career opportunities for them.

Join Dr. Steven Hunt, Chief Expert, Work & Technology at the SAP Innovation Office and author of the best-selling book, Talent Tectonics, for a high-powered presentation.

You'll learn:

  • Why employee development is more important now than it was in the past
  • How to overcome tactical and cultural barriers impacting employee development
  • The difference between skilling and reskilling and whether it matters
  • Unique advantages small companies have over larger organizations when it comes to employee development
  • How to use development as a tool to recruit and retain talent

Join the webinar for a new perspective on developing employees, and why it's beneficial to your company.

Save your seat here.

Can't make the webinar? Register and we'll send you a recording.

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

It's Construction Safety Week and National Electrical Safety Month. Propel your company's safety-first culture with 153 safety-related trainings and over 100 safety-related articles from Mineral, your complimentary WECA human resources member benefit. Access some relevant samples below:

https://trustmineral.com/safety/focus-on-heat-safety/

https://trustmineral.com/safety-health/managing-risk-and-employee-health-safety-go-hand-in-hand/

https://trustmineral.com/health-and-safety-in-the-workplace/a-safer-workplace-is-within-your-reach/

And login to your member dashboard here to access the rest.

Read more >>


Wednesday, May 3, 2023   Further 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 Tom, Joshua, 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.

 
Read more >>


Thursday, April 6, 2023   The 2023 WECEF Claws for a Cause Crab Feed Fundraiser was a success! Relive the evening below!

WATCH: Fun times at the WECEF Crab Feed Fundraiser and installation of the WECA 2023 Boards of Directors and Trustees:











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

The 2023 Claws for a Cause Crab Feed and Fundraiser -- held on Friday, March 10 at WECA's California headquarters in Rancho Cordova -- was crab-solutely amazing!

The annual crab feed, which supports education and careers in the electrical and low voltage trades, had a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was wonderful to be able to safely host it once again and help WECEF create more opportunities for student scholarships, materials, and improvements to WECA labs, classrooms, and the electrical industry with the help of our member contractors and sponsors.

"Everyone enjoyed the event," says Terry Seabury, WECA's Executive Director and CEO. "It was fun to have our instructors act as the evening's waiters, and to have them get to meet or get re-acquainted with our Board and Trustee members."

Attendees ate delicious Dungeness crab entrees and sides and enjoyed festive libations courtesy of Rudy's Hideaway, a well-known local seafood and steak restaurant, mingled with industry peers, and witnessed the installation of the 2023 WECA Board of Directors, Apprenticeship Training Trust Board of Trustees, and Health and Welfare and Pension Board of Trustees.

"We had about 100 attendees," says Leanne Sipes, WECA's Senior Accountant. "The contractors and industry partners and supporters are always great with their sponsorships and participation in the raffle and silent auction. We were happy to have Hunt Electric, our founding Utah member contractor, come out and sponsor for the first time, too."

King Crab Sponsors

Rex Moore Group

Contractors Electrical Distributors

Butterfield Electric

Hunt Electric

Bergelectric

H&D Electric

Vasko Electric

Snow Crab Sponsors

Royal Electric Company

Imperial Electric Service

Helix Electric

TDR Enterprise

Blue Crab Sponsors

Platt Electric Supply

K S Telecom

Bosley Electric

Pacific Advocacy Group

Thank you, everyone, for making the 2023 Claws for a Cause Crab Feed and Fundraiser a successful evening! The continuing participation, enthusiasm and generosity of our member contractors and sponsors is amazing to behold -- without them, WECEF's mission would not be possible. Here's to a wonderful rest of the school year and coming school year, and we look forward to shella-brating with everyone again next year!

Read more >>


Thursday, April 6, 2023   WECA's Fresno training facility hosts Fresno City Councilmember; BizFed for tour



WECA was pleased to host Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi and BizFed Central Valley for a tour of WECA's Fresno training facility on March 24.

Rex Hime, WECA's Regional Relationship Manager for Fresno and the Central Valley, and George Leach, Fresno's Lead Electrician Apprenticeship instructor, gave Councilmember Karbassi and BizFed Central Valley a live, behind-the-scenes look of first year, first semester Commercial Electrical Apprentices in action as they completed a hands-on lab.

"Walking Councilmember Karbassi and BizFed Central Valley through WECA's Fresno training facility -- and talking with instructor George Leach about pathways and benefits for our apprentices and trainees -- showed the critical role in workforce development going on in WECA's programs," says Rex. "As local and state politics play more of a role in opportunities for our contractors and their employees to work, education on our programs and philosophies are becoming increasingly important with every passing day."

Thank you, Councilmember Karbassi and BizFed Central Valley, for visiting WECA's Fresno training facility! Your support helps strengthen workforce development opportunities for WECA's member contractors and their employees in the Central Valley and beyond!

Read more >>


Thursday, April 6, 2023   WECA apprenticeship outreach update: inspiring the future electricians and low voltage technicians







WECA's Apprenticeship outreach team has been busy this spring!

On March 20, the Apprenticeship outreach team hosted students from the Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy at our California headquarters in Rancho Cordova. After a talk and a tour of the facilities, Low Voltage Apprenticeship instructor Randy Rivera did a hands-on activity with students in the low voltage lab.

On March 21, the team spoke with a senior class at River City High School's Electronic Engineering and Science Academy in West Sacramento.

Then, the team attended Marysville High School's College and Career Fair in Marysville, followed up by Lincoln High School's College and Career Fair in Lincoln with WECA member contractors K S Telecom and Mark III.

And that's not all--they have an incredibly busy April in store, so watch this space for more news on their Spring 2023 outreach efforts.

Thank you to our Apprenticeship outreach team for the awesome work they do to inspire students to pursue careers in the electrical and low voltage industries, and to choose WECA and its member contractors for their education and on-the-job learning journeys!

Read more >>


Thursday, April 6, 2023   Sacramento-region C-10 electrical contractors: join SMUD's Contractor Network

WECA Member Contractors in the Sacramento region: SMUD is looking for C-10 electricians to join the SMUD Contractor Network

Learn more and determine your eligibility below


 

Content courtesy of SMUD

What is the SMUD Contractor Network?

The network connects homeowners and businesses with qualified contractors like you to install new equipment and who can apply for a SMUD rebate on their behalf.

While active, your business will be listed on our public directory here, where customers search for contractors by several criteria. The results include a one-click email tool for direct communication with the contractor. These are free qualified leads!

The SMUD Contractor Network is offered at no cost to eligible contractors and the online directory is free and open to the public.

Rebates available*

Residential - EV chargers, power-sharing devices, EV circuits and panel upgrades

Commercial - EV chargers, panel upgrade support, LED lighting and refrigeration

*Rebates are only for SMUD customers residing within SMUD's service territory.

If your office is located outside of SMUD service territory but within 40 miles of SMUD headquarters for residential contractors or within 100 miles for commercial contractors, you can still join the SMUD Contractor Network and offer rebates to SMUD customers.

Enroll to become a participating contractor

Create an account here. Once your enrollment is approved, you'll have access to monthly webinars and newsletters which provide current program info, technical training, and best practices. You'll also receive onboarding training to ensure you have everything you need to be successful in our programs.

Questions?

Please contact contractorsupport@efficiencyfirstca.org or call (916) 209-5117. You can also reach the SMUD Contractor Network program manager by emailing Courtney.Brune@smud.org or calling (916) 732-5085.

*Full requirements and guidelines are outlined in the SMUD Contractor Handbooks. Contractors are responsible for knowing all requirements, current program rules and advising customers appropriately before offering rebates.

Read more >>


Thursday, April 6, 2023   New self-paced course option for your employees: 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

Your employees can take it on their own time, at their 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
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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 your employees develop the on-the-job skills they 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 your employees, encourage them to enroll in GetWired 202 Self-Paced Online today!

Read more >>


Thursday, April 6, 2023   Now available for your employees: Session 3 catalog for Electrician Trainees and Journeypersons

Now available for your employees to enroll: WECA's Session 3 catalog (Jul - Sep 2023) for Electrician Trainees and Journeyperson Continuing Education

WECA's Summer 2023 (Jul - Sep) course catalog is now available on our website for your Electrician Trainee and Journeyperson Continuing Education employees' enrollment! GetWired instructor-led classes always fill quickly, so be sure to encourage your employees to enroll ASAP to get their spot!

Encourage your Electrician Trainee employees to view their options and enroll here.

Encourage your Journeyperson employees to view their options and enroll here.

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

Read more >>


Thursday, April 6, 2023   Member Contractors: reap the benefits of your Mineral HR benefit; register for Apr. 19 session

Reap the benefits of your Mineral human resources platform WECA member benefit; RSVP today for your exclusive Mineral (formerly ThinkHR) platform walk-through session on Apr. 19

Not using Mineral yet? Enroll today for your complimentary access (a WECA member benefit) and then register for your WECA-exclusive platform walk-through session on Apr. 19


For existing users:

You've previously signed up for access to the Mineral HR Resources platform (formerly ThinkHR), a WECA member benefit. Mineral will be hosting a special platform walk-through session for WECA Member Contractors on Wednesday, April 19 at 9 AM PDT/12 PM EDT, where they will provide a detailed overview of the resources to which you have access as an administrative user in Mineral.

Mineral is a premium Human Resources platform that combines the best in live advisor expertise with innovative technology and comprehensive and instructional content to help organizations address all potential Human Resources related people risks, including guidance on preparing for and managing those risks. WECA is providing access to this premium resource for you as their valued member contractor.

Please register for Introduction to Mineral -- a Walk-Through for WECA Member Contractors on April 19, 2023 at 9 AM PDT here.

In this session, we will cover:

  • General Mineral platform layout
  • How to consult your Mineral HR experts
  • How to easily create your Employee Handbook that's never out-of-date
  • How to assign training to your employees from a catalog of hundreds of interactive courses
  • How to navigate a multitude of HR compliance resources, tools, and templates

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. You will also receive reminder emails the day prior and one hour prior to the start of this session.

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

For WECA Members considering signing up for their complimentary Mineral HR Platform benefit:

Mineral (formerly ThinkHR) is a premium Human Resources platform that combines the best in live advisor expertise with innovative technology and comprehensive and instructional content to help organizations address all potential Human Resources related people risks, including guidance on preparing for and managing these risks. WECA provides access to this premium resource for you as our valued member contractor.

Mineral's value proposition and benefits: an overview

Comprehensive Overview

Premium Solutions

Industry Value Report - Construction

What's New in Mineral

35 Critical HR Processes

You're eligible for access to the Mineral HR Resources platform (formerly ThinkHR) as a WECA member benefit. If you have not yet enrolled for access, please do so here.

Mineral will be hosting a special platform walk-through session for WECA Member Contractors on Wednesday, April 19 at 9 AM PDT/12 PM EDT, where they will provide a detailed overview of the resources to which you will have access as an administrative user once you've enrolled.

Next, Please register for "Introduction to Mineral -- a Walk-Through for WECA Member Contractors" on April 19, 2023 at 9 AM PDT here.

In this session, Mineral will cover:

  • General Mineral platform layout
  • How to consult your Mineral HR experts
  • How to easily create your Employee Handbook that's never out-of-date
  • How to assign training to your employees from a catalog of hundreds of interactive courses
  • How to navigate a multitude of HR compliance resources, tools, and templates
  • Plus much more!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. You will also receive reminder emails the day prior and one hour prior to the start of this session.

Read more >>


Thursday, March 23, 2023   Showcasing WECA excellence

Dina Kimble, President and CEO of WECA Member Contractor Royal Electric Company, honored by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the Sacramento region's most admired CEOs


 

Dina Kimble, President and CEO of Royal Electric Company, a longtime WECA Member Contractor who has also served on our Board of Directors, was recently honored by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the region's most admired CEOs.

Please join WECA in congratulating Dina for this tremendous accolade, and for giving us a glimpse in the accompanying article into the hard but important work that goes into building a strong company culture.

Leslie Schlaegel, Vice President of Talent Development at Royal Electric Company and current Trustee on the WECA Apprenticeship Training Trust Board of Trustees, is also quoted in the article and provides further insight into Dina's leadership and Royal Electric Company's success.

Congratulations, Dina!

Read more >>


Thursday, March 23, 2023   Sign up for Mineral, a complimentary premier HR platform for WECA members

Enroll today and then register for your WECA-exclusive platform walk-through session on Apr. 19


 

Dear WECA Member Contractor,

Mineral (formerly ThinkHR) is a premium Human Resources platform that combines the best in live advisor expertise with innovative technology and comprehensive and instructional content to help organizations address all potential Human Resources related people risks, including guidance on preparing for and managing these risks. WECA provides access to this premium resource for you as our valued member contractor.

Mineral's value proposition and benefits: an overview

Comprehensive Overview

Premium Solutions

Industry Value Report - Construction

What's New in Mineral

35 Critical HR Processes

You're eligible for access to the Mineral HR Resources platform (formerly ThinkHR) as a WECA member benefit. If you have not yet enrolled for access, please do so here.

Mineral will be hosting a special platform walk-through session for WECA Member Contractors on Wednesday, April 19 at 9 AM PDT/12 PM EDT, where they will provide a detailed overview of the resources to which you will have access as an administrative user once you've enrolled.

Next, Please register for "Introduction to Mineral -- a Walk-Through for WECA Member Contractors" on April 19, 2023 at 9 AM PDT here.

In this session, Mineral will cover:

  • General Mineral platform layout
  • How to consult your Mineral HR experts
  • How to easily create your Employee Handbook that's never out-of-date
  • How to assign training to your employees from a catalog of hundreds of interactive courses
  • How to navigate a multitude of HR compliance resources, tools, and templates
  • Plus much more!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. You will also receive reminder emails the day prior and one hour prior to the start of this session.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

The WECA Team

Read more >>


Thursday, March 23, 2023   Employee spotlight: Audra Jamieson, Apprenticeship Program Specialist, celebrates 20 years with WECA


 

At WECA, many of our employees have become family over the years. That’s certainly true for Audra Jamieson, WECA’s Apprenticeship Program Specialist, who celebrated her 20th working anniversary with WECA earlier this month.

Audra began working for WECA as a file clerk in 2003. During her first year, she started working toward her goal of learning everything about WECA and its operations. Her ambition opened the door to expand her knowledge of WECA and inspired her to learn beyond her newfound acquired knowledge.

In Audra’s current role as Apprenticeship Program Specialist, she focuses on processing apprentice, state, and federal registrations and apprentice GI Bill benefits, conducts apprentice probationary reviews, and assists with apprentice wages and questions. She also provides support to WECA’s Member Contractors, students, and staff, and makes it her personal mission to find the answer they need.

“My current role today is sort of unique, as my daily tasks can change day to day,” says Audra. “I want to treat everyone I interact with just how I would like to be treated and provide the best customer service I can.”

Even after 20 years at WECA, Audra endeavors to continually grow in her role and contribute to improving the association.

“With the expansion of our apprenticeship training programs into Arizona and Utah, my duties seem to have grown as well. This is not a bad thing, because this only allows me to think outside of the box and about what I can do to make my daily tasks and processes run a little smoother,” says Audra.

Additionally, it seems that Audra’s passion for WECA and its mission has intensified over her 20 years with the organization.

“I have been extremely fortunate to be part of the continuing growth WECA has accomplished throughout the years. I really do believe in our core values and our mission to train, educate, and to develop a future skilled trades workforce,” says Audra. “WECA works hard to protect the rights of merit shop business owners and their employees, and I truly believe that 100 percent of everything that we do here is because of our Member Contractors and students. We couldn’t be successful and where we are today if it wasn’t for them,” says Audra.

However, Audra’s favorite thing about her job and working for WECA is witnessing and being part of students’ success stories.

“The accomplishments of an individual who has successfully completed one of our outstanding programs, whether it is the electrical trainee program or the apprenticeship program, is very satisfying to me. I’m honored to be part of that success of a student who proudly accepts their certificate of completion during graduation and to be able to walk the stage with their classmates and have their employer, family, and friends share that experience. Each student has worked exceptionally hard for that, and it pleases me to see them reach their goal,” says Audra.

And, Audra’s favorite memory of WECA at WECA is witnessing and contributing to the organization’s exponential growth.

“I’ve been fortunate to witness the growth of WECA in the last 20 years,” says Audra. “Most people may not be aware, but WECA was limited to training apprentices in certain areas and counties for California when I first started. So, one of my favorite memories is when WECA won statewide approval in 2005. That allowed us to start training apprentices throughout the state of California for our Commercial Electrical, Residential Electrical, and Low Voltage Apprenticeship programs. This was just the boost we needed, and between 2005 and 2007 is when WECA established our Electrician Trainee program to meet the needs of uncertified electricians. Now adding the Arizona and Utah apprenticeship programs to our list of accomplishments is just icing on the cake.”

Outside of work, Audra is equally passionate about her family and her hobbies.

“Coming from a big family, I feel like we are always celebrating something special, so I like hanging out with my family whenever possible. I enjoy all types of music and I like spending time going to movies, concerts, or any type of classic car shows. I’m also a big foodie lover, so I take pleasure in being in the kitchen trying out old and new recipes and making yummy things to eat for my friends and family. And when it comes down to baking, that’s my passion and I’m all over it. I also find it’s extremely important to be able to prioritize self-care and make life as enjoyable as possible. Just be free and have fun when you can – life is short,” says Audra.

Audra’s been extremely successful in her 20 years at WECA thanks to her passion and drive, but she also attributes her success at WECA to the help of her mentors, who have also become friends.

“I’d like to thank Terry and Bob for their greatness and knowledge of the organization and extend a special thank you to Christine and Wendy for always being a fantastic support system for me with any challenges that may cross my path, and their willingness to always help,” says Audra.

Congratulations on your 20th working anniversary with WECA, Audra! We are honored to have you as part of the WECA family, and thank you for helping WECA grow into the premier nonprofit organization serving merit shop electrical and low voltage contractors, their employees, and the industry suppliers that support them in the American West! 

Read more >>


Thursday, March 23, 2023   Responsible Managing Employees Are No Joke: content courtesy of Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP

Responsible Managing Employees Are No Joke

Failure to Adhere to Responsible Managing Employee Requirements May Result in Waiver of Contractor's Right to Compensation for Work Performed

Content courtesy of Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP


For the second time in calendar year 2022, the Court of Appeal of California has found California Contractors State Licensing Laws bar contractors from collecting for work performed. (See Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP Partner Daniel McLennon's Law Note on Kim v. TWA Construction, Inc. (2022) 78 Cal.App.5th 808, finding that licensed contractor could not collect payment for work performed by an unlicensed subcontractor notwithstanding that the contractor was itself licensed to perform that work.)

In an opinion that should be a warning call to all contractors in California, the Court of Appeal upheld a trial court's decision to vacate an arbitration award of over $100,000 to a contractor because the contractor did not carry its burden to prove that its purported Responsible Managing Employee was in fact a bona fide Responsible Managing Employee. (Vascos Excavation Grp. v. Gold (Cal. Ct. App., Dec. 21, 2022, No. B315205) 2022 WL 18398783.) All corporate contractors in California should be aware that failure to have a bona fide Responsible Managing Employee automatically suspends the contractor's license, resulting in the inability to collect for the work performed.

Read the rest here.

Read more >>


Thursday, March 23, 2023   Don't miss out -- RSVP to join WECA for an open house celebrating our NEW UT facility!

Don't miss out -- there are three weeks left to RSVP to join WECA for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating our NEW Utah Apprenticeship Training Center!

Apr. 12 from 3:30 to 6:30 PM


 

Please join us this April for WECA's open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new, state-of-the-art training facility in Woods Cross, Utah! All are welcome!

When: April 12, 2023 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Where: 2511 S. Redwood Rd., Ste. 22

Woods Cross, UT 84087

  • Enjoy food and libations
  • Tour our new facility
  • Meet WECA instructors, staff, members, students, board members, and members of the Salt Lake City and greater Utah electrical industry and community
  • Learn about WECA and how the association serves electrical contractors and the industry
  • See how our apprentices learn--including the new technology and innovative training tools used in WECA's apprenticeship learning labs!

We look forward to seeing you there! Please take a moment to RSVP:

Register for our Utah open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony

Read more >>


Thursday, March 23, 2023   Starbucks' Fight with Unions Comes Down to This Brutal 7-Word Truth. Content courtesy of Inc.

Starbucks' Fight with Unions Comes Down to This Brutal 7-Word Truth. Every Leader Should Pay Close Attention.

Content courtesy of Inc.
 

By Jason Aten, Tech Columnist

Starbucks' CEO Howard Schultz has always been staunchly against unionization at the company's stores. During his three different runs as CEO, he hasn't been shy about his feelings that employees shouldn't need to join a union to be treated fairly.

In the past few years, the company has been aggressive in its efforts to slow down the push to form unions at its more than 9,000 stores. It's one of the reasons Starbucks brought its founder back to the top role. Schultz argued that the company lost its way under its previous leadership, and that's a big part of why employees are pushing to unionize.

Whatever you think about Starbucks, or unions, or Schultz, he makes an important point that every business leader should consider.

"Some decisions were made that I would not have made," Schultz told CNN. "As a result of that, I think people did lose trust in the leadership of the company." 

If you think about it, once your team loses trust in the leadership of your company, it shouldn't come as a surprise that they might try to do something about it. Unionization is simply the logical conclusion of that thread. 

Basically, Schultz is saying that if your employees are trying to form a union, you're doing something wrong. As for Starbucks, he says the reason employees want to be a part of a union is because the company "was not leading in a way that was consistent with its history."

I'm not suggesting that unions are bad--but I'm suggesting they always organize in response to something. The reality is that whatever that something is, you usually have a lot more influence over it than you might think. The problem is, you just didn't think it was as big a deal as your employees did. 

To that end, I think Schultz has a point. If Starbucks' employees trusted the company's leadership to do the right thing for them, they would have a lot less motivation to form a union. Inherently, the reason for forming a union is to force an employer to listen to employees and make change. If your employees were happy with their working conditions, they wouldn't be asking for change.

It's important to understand that you might be paying your employees well and giving them good benefits, but if you lose their trust, none of that matters. If they don't feel like they're being treated fairly, you have a problem.

Notice that the standard isn't whether you think you're treating them fairly, or whether an outside observer might think so. It isn't even whether your employees think they are being treated fairly. The question is whether your employees feel that way. 

That disconnect explains a lot of the reason employees lost trust in leadership. On the one hand, executives look at things like spreadsheets and comparables and financial statements. They analyze and rationalize and come up with plans that make sense on paper. 

The thing is, what makes sense on paper doesn't always feel fair to your employees, because feelings are tricky. Employees don't care about those spreadsheets. What they care about is whether they are satisfied in their job, enjoy the people they work with, and feel respected by management. If you lose that, there's nothing a spreadsheet can do to help you win it back.

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   Eleven WECA Members Make Sacramento Business Journal's Top Electrical Contractors List




 

Please join us in congratulating the following WECA Member Contractors in making the Sacramento Business Journal's Top Electrical Contractors list!

  • Royal Electric Company
  • Rex Moore Group Inc.
  • Barnum & Celillo Electric Inc.
  • Helix Electric Inc.
  • North State Electrical Contractors Inc.
  • Butterfield Electric Inc.
  • Vasko Electric Inc.
  • Alessandro Electric Inc.
  • Bosley Electric Co.
  • K S Telecom
  • Garrahan Electric Inc.

Thank you, everyone, for exemplifying WECA excellence in the Sacramento region and beyond!

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   Three WECA AZ Members Make Phoenix Business Journal's Top Electrical Contractors List


 

Please join us in congratulating the following WECA Arizona Member Contractors in making the Phoenix Business Journal's Top Electrical Contractors list!

  • Corbins
  • K2 Electric
  • Specified Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Thank you, everyone, for exemplifying WECA excellence in the Phoenix metro and the state of Arizona!

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   WECA Member Contractor Imperial Electric Receives Diversity Award from Southern California Edison



Please join us in congratulating WECA Member Contractor Imperial Electric Service (owned by WECA alumni Windell Pascascio) for winning the Gwen Moore Diversity Award from Southern California Edison! Congratulations, Imperial Electric Service and Windell -- thank you for being a pillar of WECA's caliber and diversity in Fresno and the Central Valley!
Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   Shining Bright: WECA Solar Contractors Make CNET's Best Solar Companies of 2023 List


 

WECA's solar energy contractors are shining bright this year!

Please join us in congratulating WECA Member Contractors SunPower and GAF Energy for making CNET's Best Solar Companies of 2023 list. Congratulations to both on leading the way in sustainably powering our communities!

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   WECA's First "Jump Start Your Career" Fair at Our Fresno Training Facility Was a Success!

See Our Recap Video and Pictures Below


 

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 >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   New GetWired 201 Self-Paced Course Option for Your Employees

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

GetWired 201: Self-Paced Introduction to Alternating Current, Branch Circuits, and Feeder/Service Calculations

Your Employees Can Now Opt to Take This Course On Their Own Time, At Their Own Pace!


 

WECA is excited to announce another way students can take GetWired 201, the fifth class in WECA's Path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate!

We've long offered GetWired 201 as an instructor-led online course. 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 the GetWired 100 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 201 Self-Paced Option is an entirely online, self-paced alternative version of our GetWired 201 course, which reviews content covered in GetWired 104 and expands on theories and applications taught in the 100 series. You will gain practice in making a variety of calculations for:

  • Branch circuit loads for single and multi-family dwellings
  • Service entrance conductors using optional methods
  • Peak to peak voltage

Course topics include:

  • Finding information in the NEC
  • Conductor comparisons and resistance
  • Branch circuits and feeders
  • Make up and box fill calculations – hand-on-lab
  • Introduction to service calculations
  • Magnetic induction
  • Dwelling load calculations
  • Services

GET WIRED! 201 Self-Paced includes project-based learning designed to help you develop on-the-job skills you need to be an expert electrician.

  • Total class hours available: 36
  • Standard Tuition Fee: $339


If all of this sounds like it would work for your employees,

have them enroll in GetWired 201 Self-Paced Online today!
 

Think your employees would 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?

Have them enroll in an upcoming instance of the original GetWired 201 here!

 

Or, would your employees prefer to interact with an instructor and learn along with other students, on a schedule two evenings a week, but with an instructor-guided online lab experience on one of those evenings?

Have them enroll in an upcoming instance of the online evening instructor-led GetWired 201 with an online lab here!

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   Join WECA for an Open House and Ribbon-Cutting Celebrating Our NEW UT Facility on Apr. 12!


 

Please join us this April for WECA's open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new, state-of-the-art training facility in Woods Cross, Utah! All are welcome!

When: April 12, 2023 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Where: 2511 S. Redwood Rd., Ste. 22

Woods Cross, UT 84087

  • Enjoy food and libations
  • Tour our new facility
  • Meet WECA instructors, staff, members, students, board members, and members of the Salt Lake City and greater Utah electrical industry and community
  • Learn about WECA and how the association serves electrical contractors and the industry
  • See how our apprentices learn--including the new technology and innovative training tools used in WECA's apprenticeship learning labs!

We look forward to seeing you there! Please take a moment to RSVP:

Register for our Utah open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   WECA California Members: Updated Private Wage Sheets Available, Effective Mar. 2, 2023

Dear WECA California Member,

The new 2023 private wage sheets (effective March 2, 2023) are available on our website.

Please visit the Wage Section of our Member Forms and Resources page to view applicable private wages.

These sheets are additionally linked from your secured member dashboard, to which you can login at GOWECA.COM, underneath your prevailing wage determination links.

Sincerely,

The WECA Team

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   Member Contractors: Access Your Guide to Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Guidance on WECA's Website

WECA Member Contractors:

Need help navigating the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)? WECA has compiled a comprehensive guidance page, which we will regularly update as new information becomes available.

Access the IRA guidance here.

Read more >>


Thursday, March 9, 2023   Project Designers; Operators: CA Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety Needs Your Input


 

Content courtesy of: California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, Underground Safety Board Planning and Design Committee

Got 5 minutes? The Underground Safety Board's Planning and Design Committee is developing a design ticket and needs input from designers and operators regarding the planning and design process.

To access the surveys, please visit Planning and Design Surveys | Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (ca.gov).

The surveys can be completed via your mobile device or computer. The surveys will run until COB March 17th.

Thank you for taking the time to provide a response and valuable information!

Read more >>


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