Content courtesy of CA DIR

OAKLAND—Beginning January 1, 2027, California’s statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour, helping wages keep pace with inflation and providing greater economic support to workers across the state.

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) is reminding workers and employers to prepare for this increase and understand the related wage, salary threshold and workplace posting requirements.

State law requires that most California workers be paid at least the minimum wage, including those paid on a piece-rate basis. Workers who are paid less than the minimum wage are encouraged to document the issue and raise it with their employer. If the matter is not corrected, workers may contact the LCO location in their area to file a wage claim.

Minimum salary requirement for exempt employees

The minimum wage increase also affects the minimum salary an employee must earn to meet part of the test for exemption from overtime requirements.

$17.40 x 2 x 40 hours per week x 52 weeks per year = $72,384

Beginning January 1, 2027, an employee must earn an annual salary of at least $72,384 to meet the salary threshold for exemption. Employees must also satisfy the duties and other requirements applicable to the specific exemption.

California law adjusts the statewide minimum wage annually based on inflation. On July 31, 2026, the Department of Finance certified the minimum wage increase for 2027, which was later announced by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Employers must post the statewide minimum wage order and the industry-specific wage order applicable to their workplace in an area accessible to employees. These notices are available to download and print from the California Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR’s) workplace postings webpage.

Employers must also list employees' wage rates on their pay stubs and ensure that all employees receive at least the applicable minimum wage. Some California cities and counties have local minimum wage rates that are higher than the state rate. When applicable, employers must comply with the higher local rate.

Employers who do not comply with minimum wage laws may be liable for back wages, penalties and liquidated damages.

About the Labor Commissioner’s Office

The LCO combats wage theft and unfair competition by investigating allegations of illegal and unfair business practices.

In 2020, the LCO launched “Reaching Every Californian,” a multi-pronged outreach campaign that raises awareness of basic workplace protections and connects affected populations with information about their rights, employers’ obligations and the LCO’s enforcement procedures.

New worker protections that took effect in 2026 include the Workplace Know Your Rights Act. In addition to maintaining required workplace postings, employers must provide workers with an annual notice intended to increase awareness of workplace rights and protections.  

California labor laws protect workers in most industries regardless of immigration status. Workers are not required to disclose their immigration status when filing wage claims or retaliation complaints or exercising other rights under California labor laws. The LCO does not ask about the immigration status of any individual seeking assistance or protection under California labor law.

Workers who have questions about labor laws enforced by the LCO can visit wagetheftisacrime.com or call the Labor Commissioner’s helpline in English or Spanish at 833-LCO-INFO (833-526-4636) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The LCO is a division of DIR.

Employers with questions on requirements may contact: MakeItFair@dir.ca.gov

Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161

WECA Member Contractors: Reminder to Take Advantage of Exclusive Discounts for You and Your Employees on WECA Member Sponsorship and Reimbursement Models for Electrician Trainee, Journey Worker Continuing Education, and Construction Professional Classes

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WECA makes it even simpler--and more affordable--for you to sponsor your employees in our non-apprenticeship training programs!

We know an increasing number of our California contractors are sponsoring their Electrician Trainees' tuition in our Electrician Trainee (GetWired) Certificate Path program. We think that's great! WECA's Electrician Trainee program is another approved training path towards certification in California, with many educational similarities to our apprenticeship program. And many of you are finding that sponsoring your Electrician Trainees' education gives you a competitive advantage in the hiring market, plus helps you to ensure that your employees stay registered with the State of California. 

Your journey worker electricians and low voltage technicians can take our classes for their continuing education requirements, too, and we are an approved provider in California and also a good resource for Arizona, where continuing education is optional but can give you a competitive edge. Your member discounts apply for your journey workers as well.

Our program to educate non-electrician construction professionals in electrical fundamentals (WECA PE to PM program) is a solution for Utah, Arizona, and California alike. And yes—member discounts apply here, too.

Login to your secured member dashboard and navigate to the "Member Discounts on Non-Apprenticeship WECA Training" section, or give us a call for detailed information on the discounts for which you and your employees are eligible as part of your WECA contractor membership. If you're interested in sponsoring your employees' tuition up front, or are interested in reimbursing them for successful completion, give us a call and we can guide you through those options.

There's Still Time to Show Your Support of the WECA Northern California Class of 2026 with Graduation Sponsorship

Reserve Your Sponsorship Package Today!


 

Dear WECA Member Contractors, Industry Partners, and Industry Supporters,

WECA is proud to announce the WECA Northern California Graduating Class of 2026!

These Commercial Electrical, Residential Electrical, and Low Voltage Apprentices, as well as Electrician Trainees in our GetWired Electrician Trainee Certificate program, have successfully completed their education with WECA!

Help us honor their achievement with your sponsorship of their graduation event on:

- Saturday, October 17, 2026 at The Sacramento Zoo (3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822) from 1 to 4:30 PM for Northern California graduates.

Make their graduation memorable. Your sponsorship can allow you and members of your team to attend and meet the graduates--especially meaningful for them if you're their contractor. Plus, you can meet WECA instructors and staff, other member contractors, and electrical industry supporters as well.

Please consider the sponsorship opportunities available at the link, and thank you for your support of electrical and low voltage education!

Sincerely,

The WECA Graduation Team

Reserve your sponsorship package

2024 WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship graduate and Salutatorian Cody Cole, who works for WECA Arizona Member Contractor Corbins, recently spoke to Business Insider about his success in the WECA Arizona Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program and in his career with Corbins, and spotlighted the opportunities both endeavors (and the current AI boom) have created for him.

"I started in the electrical field in 2019 at 18 years old...now, seven years later, I'm a superintendent making over $40 an hour with 45 people who report to me. It's helped relieve the financial stress my wife and I have from everyday life, as we raise three kids and give them the best upbringing we can," Cody shared.

"With a career in industrial electrical work, I knew I was able to start making good money right out of high school...the AI boom also changed my perspective on my career in electrical. I've seen firsthand that there's going to continue to be a need for skilled tradesmen; at my company, Corbins, we specialize in data centers, which are going to be needed with the expansion of AI," Cody continued.

"There's a lot of job security in what we do. With the expansion of AI going at an extreme rate, there's plenty of work all over the country with these jobs. The opportunities are endless."

Read the rest of Cody's Business Insider spotlight here. To read the whole article, you may need to start a free trial or switch to reader mode in your browser.

Missed the Opportunity to Attend WECA and WECA Industry Partner Simpro's Jul. 14 "Lightning in Action Webinar"?

Learn More About Simpro Lightning, Simpro's New AI Execution Layer, with Webinar Recording Within
 

Content courtesy of Simpro

Your Simpro platform is the heart of how your business runs. Simpro Lightning is the brain layered on top -- an AI execution layer that takes instructions and gets work done across the system you already use.

Four agents go live on Day One: JobReady, JobScribe, JobBrief, and FieldReady. One conversational interface -- JustAsk -- lets your team get answers, kick off tasks, and move work without leaving the flow. No new platform. No new login. And no AI tax: Price Lock means your subscription won't change.

Join us for a 30-minute walkthrough on what changes, what doesn't, and where to start.

You'll leave with:

• A clear picture of how Simpro Lightning works alongside Simpro
• The Day-One agents and the work each one owns
• A live look at JustAsk in action
• What our Price Lock guarantee means for your team -- and why we did it
• The first three things to set up to get value in week one

Meet the Speaker:

David Doloboff

Vice President of Business Development

Simpro

Watch the webinar here!

Want to Show Your Support of the WECA California and Utah Classes of 2026 with Graduation Sponsorship?

Reserve Your Sponsorship Package Today!

Southern California and Northern California


 

Dear WECA Member Contractors, Industry Partners, and Industry Supporters,

WECA is proud to announce the WECA California Graduating Classes of 2026!

These Commercial Electrical, Residential Electrical, and Low Voltage Apprentices, as well as Electrician Trainees in our GetWired Electrician Trainee Certificate program, have successfully completed their education with WECA!

Help us honor their achievement with your sponsorship of their graduation event(s) on:

- Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Temecula Creek Inn (44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula, CA 92592) from 4:00 to 7:30 PM for Southern California graduates.

- Saturday, October 17, 2026 at The Sacramento Zoo (3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822) from 1 to 4:30 PM for Northern California graduates.

Make their graduation memorable. Your sponsorship can allow you and members of your team to attend and meet the graduates--especially meaningful for them if you're their contractor. Plus, you can meet WECA instructors and staff, other member contractors, and electrical industry supporters as well.

Your sponsorship will be recognized at both graduation events!

Please consider the sponsorship opportunities available at the link, and thank you for your support of electrical and low voltage education!

Sincerely,

The WECA Graduation Team

Reserve your sponsorship package

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

Utah


 

Dear WECA Member Contractors, Industry Partners, and Supporters,

WECA is proud to announce the Utah Graduating Class of 2026!

Our Commercial Electrical Apprentices in the Class of 2026 have successfully completed their education with WECA.

Help us honor their achievement with your sponsorship of their graduation event on:

Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:30 PM

DoubleTree by Hilton Salt Lake City Airport

5151 West Wiley Post Way

Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Help us make their graduation memorable--your sponsorship can allow you and members of your team to attend the graduation event, which is especially meaningful for grads if you're their contractor. Plus, you can meet WECA instructors and staff, other member contractors, and electrical industry supporters as well. Sponsorship packages at different levels may include tickets to attend the graduation, ads in the graduation program, recognition of your sponsorship during the ceremony, mention of your support on our website, in our newsletters, and over social media.   

Please consider the sponsorship opportunities at the link below, and thank you for your support of electrical training, apprenticeship, and workforce development for Utah!

Sincerely,

The WECA Graduation Team

Reserve your sponsorship package

Your Electrician Trainees Are on a Roll!

Encourage Them to Take the Next Steps on Their Electrician Trainee Program Certificate Journeys with Instructor-Led GetWired Courses in August

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





 

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

This 36-hour course expands on the concepts and skills built in the 201 courses. Topics covered include:

• Conductors and overcurrent protection
• Types of three-phase transformers
• Three-phase transformer calculations and connections
• Grounding
• Wiring methods
• Basic trigonometry and vectors
• Sizing branch circuits lab
• Total class hours available: 36
• Standard Tuition Fee: $389

Class starts on August 11th! We've waived the late fees.

Enroll in GetWired 202 Instructor-Led with Online Lab, starting August 11th, here!

---------------
 

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




 

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

This 39-hour course expands on skills built in the 202 courses. Topics covered include:

• Wiring materials
• Raceway systems and cable assemblies
• Switchboards and panelboards
• DC motors
• Three-phase alternators and motors
• Equipment for general use
• Lighting automation – hands-on-lab
• Total class hours available: 39
• Standard Tuition Fee: $389

Class starts August 10th! We've waived the late fees.

Enroll in GetWired 203 Instructor-Led with Online Lab, starting August 10th, here!

---------------
 

GetWired 204: Transformers, Special Locations and Single-Phase Motors




 

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

This 39-hour course expands on skills built in the 203 courses. Topics covered include:

• Transformers
• Special locations
• Hazardous locations
• Healthcare facilities
• Places of assembly
• Commercial garages and motor fuel dispensing facilities
• Motors, generators, A/C and refrigeration and fire pumps
• Series-parallel circuits
• Basic lighting control lab
• Single-phase motors
• Total class hours available: 39
• Standard Tuition Fee: $389

Class starts August 11th! We've waived the late fees!

Enroll in GetWired 204 Instructor-Led with Online Lab, starting August 11th, here!

---------------
 

GetWired 301: Blueprint Reading Part 1: Electrical Work for Commercial Construction from the Ground Up, Part 1

GetWired 301: Blueprint Reading Part 1: Electrical Work for Commercial Construction from the Ground Up, Part 1, is the ninth course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 40.5-hour course is designed for students who have completed the GetWired 100 and 200 series successfully.

You will review content covered in the GetWired 100 and 200 series and expand on theories and applications taught in the GetWired 100 and 200 series. Core competencies include: how to read construction plans (blueprints); coordinating construction documents, and exterior lighting.

The digital blueprints and the student resource booklet, pre-loaded on a mobile tablet which is yours to keep, are included in the cost of tuition.

• Total class hours available: 40.5
• Standard Tuition Fee: $399

The next instructor-led class with online lab starts on August 10th! We've waived the late enrollment fee.

Enroll in Instructor-Led GetWired 301 with Online Lab, starting August 10th, here!

---------------
 

GetWired 403: Jobsite Management Skills


 

GetWired 403: Jobsite Management Skills, is the fifteenth course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 32-hour course is a hybrid, partially instructor-led and partially self-paced online course which focuses on:

• Providing an introduction to concepts, technology, and best practices for project management, electrical estimating in a software environment, jobsite leadership, and communications
• Exposure to digital construction management platforms: Learn to use Procore’s Construction Management Software for project management and communications and Esticom Software for basic estimating using in-class instruction and self-paced video training.
• Interpersonal skills and communications with internal and external stakeholders on the job, as well as those under your supervision
• Using typical construction documentation and resources on construction management software to plan, manage, and record the electrical work processes of a typical residential/commercial construction project
• The general leadership skills required for profitable and successful project completion

This course is suitable for those already in a leadership role on a commercial or residential electrical jobsite who wish to enhance their skills, as well as suitable for those who want to develop the skills they need to be promoted to jobsite supervisor.

• Total class hours available: 32
• Standard Tuition Fee: $369

Class starts August 12th. We've waived the late fees!

Enroll in GetWired 403!

Making the Connection Between Educational Journeys and Accomplishments of Students in the Elk Grove Community and Workforce Development Through WECA Programs

Reminder: Please Ask Your Employees to Complete the Survey to Help Us Showcase Accomplishments of Elk Grove Students Who Subsequently Trained Through WECA by Aug. 14
 

Dear WECA Member Contractors,

We are gathering information from individuals who attended an Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) high school and later attended WECA. Through this survey, we hope to better understand the educational journeys and accomplishments of students from our local community.

The information collected will help illustrate how students from Elk Grove schools have pursued opportunities through WECA and the impact those experiences have had on their academic, personal, and professional paths. Survey results will be shared with the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education to highlight the success stories and achievements of students from across the district, demonstrate the potential impact of PLAs on local residents, students, and graduates who have pursued alternative workforce training pathways, and underscore the importance of maintaining fair access to employment opportunities within Elk Grove.

Please help us collect information by forwarding this email to your employees and asking them to complete this survey by August 14th.

Thank you for helping us showcase the accomplishments of our Elk Grove community.

Survey Link

Join the AGC of Utah for Third Annual Mental Health in Construction Summit on Sept. 17

CEO of WECA Industry Partner Pro Trades Solutions to Speak at Summit

Content Courtesy of the AGC of Utah



 

Content courtesy of the AGC of Utah

Join the AGC of Utah for a half-day summit focused on mental health, suicide prevention, substance abuse, workplace culture, and practical ways construction employers and leaders can better support their people. This event will include breakfast, lunch, keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and resource-focused discussions designed specifically for the construction industry.


 

When: Thursday, September 17, 2026

7:30 AM - 12:35 PM MDT
 

Where: AGC Training Center

2229 South 1070 West

Salt Lake City, UT 84119
 

Fees/Admission: $25.00 per person
 

Contact Information: (801) 363-2753

slagc@agc-utah.org

Register for the 2026 AGC Mental Health Summit here!

Congratulations to the 2026 Frank Vellutini Apprenticeship Scholarship Award winners, and thank you to everyone who applied for consideration!

The Frank Vellutini Apprenticeship Scholarship Award is annually offered to active WECA Apprentices enrolled in WECA's Apprenticeship programs, and helps Apprentices offset the cost of tools, books, and other educational expenses used in the electrical trade.

The scholarship award is annually offered in memory of Frank Vellutini, who was active with and made extraordinary contributions to WECA for many years. Frank was a longtime owner of WECA Member Contractor Royal Electric Company and served on the WECA Board of Directors and the WECA Apprenticeship and Training Trust from 1992 to 2015.

• Cole Bolton
• Amanda Garcia
• Daniel Schultz
• Morgan Granados
• Joshua Sallee
• Aaron Bryk
• Nicholas Jordan
• Bryan Kostal
• Ryan Hamblin
• Victor Aguilar
• John Rodriguez
• Wendy Felix
• Victor Aguilar
• DeWayne Brooks
• Florin Vizauer
• Isaac Gutierrez
• Roman Renteria
• Christopher Cruz
• Alvaro Zamora
• Brandon McKane
• Jose Lopez
• Ernesto Hernandez
• Lorenzo Landin
• Carlos Vidaca
• Zachary Marshall
• Brandon Johnson

Dear WECA Member Contractors, Industry Partners, and Industry Supporters,

WECA is proud to announce the WECA California Graduating Classes of 2026!

These Commercial Electrical, Residential Electrical, and Low Voltage Apprentices, as well as Electrician Trainees in our GetWired Electrician Trainee Certificate program, have successfully completed their education with WECA!

Help us honor their achievement with your sponsorship of their graduation event(s) on:

- Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Temecula Creek Inn (44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula, CA 92592) from 4:00 to 7:30 PM for Southern California graduates.

- Saturday, October 17, 2026 at The Sacramento Zoo (3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822) from 1 to 4:30 PM for Northern California graduates.

Make their graduation memorable. Your sponsorship can allow you and members of your team to attend and meet the graduates--especially meaningful for them if you're their contractor. Plus, you can meet WECA instructors and staff, other member contractors, and electrical industry supporters as well.

Your sponsorship will be recognized at both graduation events!

Please consider the sponsorship opportunities available at the link, and thank you for your support of electrical and low voltage education!

Sincerely,

The WECA Graduation Team

Reserve your sponsorship package

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

Utah



 

Dear WECA Member Contractors, Industry Partners, and Supporters,

WECA is proud to announce the Utah Graduating Class of 2026!

Our Commercial Electrical Apprentices in the Class of 2026 have successfully completed their education with WECA.

Help us honor their achievement with your sponsorship of their graduation event on:

Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:30 PM

DoubleTree by Hilton Salt Lake City Airport

5151 West Wiley Post Way

Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Help us make their graduation memorable--your sponsorship can allow you and members of your team to attend the graduation event, which is especially meaningful for grads if you're their contractor. Plus, you can meet WECA instructors and staff, other member contractors, and electrical industry supporters as well. Sponsorship packages at different levels may include tickets to attend the graduation, ads in the graduation program, recognition of your sponsorship during the ceremony, mention of your support on our website, in our newsletters, and over social media.   

Please consider the sponsorship opportunities at the link below, and thank you for your support of electrical training, apprenticeship, and workforce development for Utah!

Sincerely,

The WECA Graduation Team

Reserve your sponsorship package

For your Electrician Trainees and Journeyperson Continuing Education students, starting or continuing their Electrician Trainee Program or Continuing Education journeys this fall is just a click away! Instructor-led GetWired classes starting September-December are now available for online enrollment. (And of course, self-paced classes are available anytime!)

Send them this link to encourage them to enroll in WECA's Fall 2026 (Oct-Dec) GetWired courses here!