2024 WECA Arizona Graduate and Salutatorian Cody Cole, Employee of WECA Arizona Member Contractor Corbins, Interviewed by Business Insider


 

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

WECA Community: Don't Miss the Opportunity to Show Your Support of the WECA California and Utah Classes of 2026 with Graduation Sponsorship!

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

Watch: Lee Yang's Journey: Building a Career Through WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program



In the video, Lee Yang shares how WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program helped him launch a rewarding career in the electrical trade. Through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and the opportunity to earn while learning, he gained valuable skills, graduated debt-free, and discovered the many opportunities available in commercial electrical work. 

Encourage Your Electrician Trainees and Journeyperson Continuing Education Students to Enroll

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!

Congratulations are in order for WECA Member Contractors Rex Moore Group, Royal Electric Company, Barnum & Celillo Electric, Helix Electric, North State Electrical Contractors Inc., Alessandro Electric Inc., Vasko Electric Inc., Butterfield Electric Inc., and K S Telecom Inc. for making the Sacramento Business Journal's 2026 Top Electrical Contractors list (ranked by 2025 revenue at local office) and carrying WECA members' dominance of this list through for another year! Thank you all for continually exemplifying WECA and industry excellence in the Sacramento region!

 

WECA’s new Industry Partner, Pro Trades Solutions, is a Utah-based construction staffing company founded with the goal of connecting skilled trades professionals with quality contractors while promoting a people-first approach to workforce solutions. The company was built on the belief that supporting both contractors and workers leads to stronger projects, safer jobsites, and long-term success throughout the construction industry.

Pro Trades Solutions provides temporary staffing, temp-to-hire, direct hire recruiting, and workforce solutions for the construction industry. The company specializes in placing qualified electricians, carpenters, and concrete professionals on commercial, industrial, and specialty construction projects throughout Utah. In addition to staffing services, Pro Trades Solutions is committed to supporting workforce well-being through mental health awareness initiatives and access to employee support resources.

“What sets Pro Trades Solutions apart from its competitors is its commitment to supporting the whole workforce, not just filling positions,” said Caroline Erickson, Director of Operations for Pro Trade Solutions. “While providing qualified skilled trades professionals remains the foundation of the business, Pro Trades Solutions also advocates for safety, workforce development, and mental health awareness within the construction industry. Construction has one of the highest rates of suicide and mental health challenges of any profession. Pro Trades Solutions is committed to helping reduce that stigma by promoting awareness, education, and access to support resources for skilled trades professionals and their families. The company believes that supporting the overall well-being of the workforce leads to stronger teams, better retention, and better outcomes for contractors.”

WECA Member Contractors would benefit from Pro Trades Solutions’ services by gaining access to a staffing partner that understands the electrical industry and the workforce challenges contractors face every day. Whether a contractor needs a single electrician to support a project or additional manpower to meet critical deadlines, Pro Trades Solutions helps provide quality talent while reducing the time and effort spent recruiting. The company’s focus on workforce support and employee well-being also helps contractors strengthen retention and workforce stability.

Pro Trades Solutions was interested in partnering with WECA because the company shares WECA’s commitment to workforce development, safety, education, and industry excellence. Partnering with WECA provides an opportunity to support member contractors, strengthen relationships within the electrical industry, and continue promoting initiatives that benefit both contractors and skilled trades professionals.

Additionally, WECA Member Contractors who are interested in utilizing Pro Trades Solutions’ services may take advantage of Pro Trades Solutions’ Quick Pay Discount Program, which offers savings of up to 5% on labor invoices for qualifying payment methods and terms. The program is designed to reward prompt payment while helping contractors manage workforce costs more effectively. Additional details are available upon request. 

New WECA Members:

Get the Most Out of Your WECA Membership and Get Your Questions Answered at our Virtual Q&A Forum on July 8th at 10 AM PDT

Do you have questions about your WECA member benefits, workforce development resources, apprenticeship, prevailing wage, monthly reporting, or any other topic on which WECA could help?

Join WECA staff on July 8th at 10 AM PDT for a virtual forum to get your questions answered and learn how to make the most of your membership!

Register to attend the Virtual Q&A Forum for New WECA Members on July 8th at 10 AM PDT!

 

WECA is excited to welcome Bill Garr back to WECA, this time as a full-time Apprenticeship instructor! Bill previously served WECA as a full-time GetWired Electrician Trainee/Continuing Education Lead Instructor before taking a hiatus to work in various aspects of the electrical industry. Even during his hiatus, though, Bill wasn’t far from WECA, because he served as a part-time GetWired instructor online.

During his hiatus, Bill worked as a project manager for various companies. Bill worked on prestigious and specialized projects for companies such as Calpine (which owns and operates The Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal energy complex, located in the Mayacamas Mountains in Lake and Sonoma Counties, CA); Lockheed Martin; PG&E (at the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in Avila Beach, CA), and a company that specializes in hospital electrical work.

However, this hiatus led Bill to discover that he truly loved teaching. To that end, Bill sold his childhood home in Santa Rosa and moved to Sacramento to come back to WECA full-time to continue pursuing his passion for teaching.

Prior to WECA, Bill was inspired to become an electrician by his father and grandfather, who were electricians. He attended community college for his AA and received an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA in pursuit of that goal—and the rest is history.

Now that Bill is back at WECA, he said “My favorite thing about my current role is that I get to have an in-person experience with the students, coupled with while working here for WECA, I get my own classroom to provide a safe learning experience for the students.”

Moving forward, Bill said “I hope to accomplish a lasting and great effect on the new generation of people becoming electricians. I want to inspire, provide wonder and enthusiasm for the students, so they can become the best at what they do.”

Bill attributed his success at WECA and in his career to key people in his life, such as his parents, friends, and fellow WECA instructor LaKeal Morris and former WECA Apprenticeship instructor and current GetWired part-time instructor Zach Wallace.

“My mother and my father, for encouraging me and supporting me throughout my life, and a couple of instructors here at WECA, LaKeal and Zach, who also encouraged me to follow up on education and instruction, and my close friends who also supported me and believed in my passion to become an instructor,” said Bill.

Bill’s other passions besides teaching and inspiring the next generation of electricians include fly fishing, kayaking, golfing, archery, and gaming on his PC.

Thank you for being part of the WECA family, Bill, and coming full circle (again!) from WECA Electrician Trainee to GetWired Lead Instructor and part-time instructor to Apprenticeship instructor! We are excited to have you back and for you to continue inspiring the next generation of electricians!

----------
 

WECEF hosted its annual crab feed benefit in support of WECEF's mission to create opportunities to inform, educate, and train men and women for successful and satisfying careers in the electrical and low voltage trades on May 15th at WECA's California headquarters/Greg Anderson Training Facility in Rancho Cordova.

We were delighted to have so many supporters come celebrate WECEF and its mission, as well as be part of our annual Installation for our Boards of Directors and Trustees. The atmosphere was electric as attendees dined on delicious crab and fixings, served to them by none other than WECA/WECEF Executive Director and CEO Don Black and an able crew of WECA Apprenticeship instructors!

"The crab feed was exceptionally successful, drawing a turnout of nearly 80 attendees, with some guests traveling from as far as Miami," said Miller Le, WECA's Regional Relationship/Events Manager. "The crab, brought in fresh from Rudy's Hideaway, was outstanding and received great feedback from everyone in attendance." 

Additionally, Miller said "One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the dessert auction, where attendees enthusiastically bid on a variety of treats. The raffle was also a major attraction, with many attendees entering for a chance to win prizes generously donated by sponsors such as Milwaukee Tool, Platt Electric Supply, and DEWALT."

WECEF thanks everyone who joined us for this shella-bration! Your support and generosity are unmatched, and we are already looking forward to the next benefit!

Expanded Application Reaffirms WECA's Commitment to Preparing Apprentices for the Future of the Electrical Industry

Step into the future of electrical training with WECA's new VR app ?(developed in-house; our second release)!








 

WECA’s Apprenticeship Curriculum Development Team has been hard at work expanding WECA’s repertoire of virtual reality (VR) applications.

“Our apprenticeship program is thrilled to launch a cutting-edge, custom-built VR training experience focused on residential green energy! This immersive simulation drops apprentices into a fully realized job site where they can explore freely, getting hands-on with the placement and function of key components for battery energy storage systems, EV charging, and solar installations. As they move through the space, they’ll sharpen their safety skills, test their knowledge, and engage with real-world regulations and best practices—all in a dynamic, interactive environment that brings the future of energy to life,” says Maris Kaplan, WECA’s Apprenticeship Curriculum Development Manager.

The new VR app, which will be incorporated into the second year, first semester of the Commercial and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship Programs as part of the larger Service Installation and Protection competency, will serve as a ‘prequel’ to an existing simulation that was rolled out at the end of 2023. The advanced green energy concepts of that first scenario, a larger-scale ESS system that commercial apprentices engage with in the fourth year, first semester of their program as part of the Power Generation and Distribution competency, will now be introduced earlier, in a scaled down residential setting.

WECA’s extended reality (XR) and virtual reality endeavors continue to be created with WECA Member Contractors in mind, to provide their apprentices with access to real-world, hands-on training environments from WECA’s classrooms and labs. As the electrical industry rapidly shifts toward sustainability, understanding green energy systems is becoming more important for today’s apprentices. Technologies like solar panels and battery energy storage are becoming standard in both residential and large-scale industrial projects, and demand for skilled workers who can install, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems continues to grow. Learning these skills will help keep Member Contractors’ apprentices competitive in the job market and help them play a direct role in building a more resilient, energy-efficient future.

“With any of our XR endeavors, we focus on industry needs that would be a challenge to teach with hands-on labs due to space constraints or safety risks. For our first custom-built app, which has been incorporated into the fourth year, first semester of the Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program as part of the Power Generation and Distribution competency, developments in the field related to large scale energy storage systems (ESS) and solar farms had been top of mind for us and our Member Contractors, so defining that need was our starting point,” says the Apprenticeship Curriculum Development team. “We were lucky to have access to a set of plans for a real-world ESS job site, and that served as the foundation for building that first simulation. We vetted numerous VR vendors to help build the virtual environment and finally chose one that also allowed us to have in-house control over the simulation’s “story”, meaning that we can change the knowledge checks and sequence of events ourselves, whenever we need to. That was important to us, since we know code updates are inevitable!”

“Similarly to the first time, we used some existing residential plans as a starting point, then worked with the VR company to have them model the equipment and components of a house with an EV charging station, battery energy storage system, and solar panels. Meanwhile, we programmed the storyline to have users explore the jobsite in kind of an open-world style, with knowledge checks along the way,” says the team.

For second year Commercial and Residential Electrical apprentices, the learning objectives of the simulation are to be able to identify components and recall functions related to residential PV Systems and backup systems. For fourth year Commercial Electrical apprentices, the objectives of the more advanced simulation are to not only identify and recall system functions, but also determine the requirements and processes needed for a successful large-scale ESS installation by way of completing a pre-commissioning inspection.

Thus far, apprentices have provided positive feedback on simulation pilot tests.

“Our apprentices seem to be getting pretty tech-savvy, because there were little to no issues with their using the headsets and navigating the simulated world, which was great to see,” says Kaplan. “Students who have worked on real-world green energy projects have remarked that the simulations are very similar, and many have said that the virtual site walk-through helps them to better connect the dots with the competency’s accompanying lectures and quizzes. Some of them are honest about missing a few of the simulation’s code questions, and we appreciate their honesty! The VR experiences aren’t used for assessment, just for augmenting their learning process. We aim for it to help retain knowledge as well as to identify areas where they could use more study, which is always a good thing, right?”

The Apprenticeship Curriculum Development Team’s work on developing another successful, state-of-the-art VR app reaffirms WECA’s commitment to preparing our apprentices for the future of the electrical industry by keeping them current and competitive in the ever-evolving and expanding green energy fields. 

California Member Contractors: Get Guidance and Updates on Key Public Works Compliance Requirements for Contractors and Subcontractors from CA DIR

Register Today for the Public Works Workshop Webinar on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Content courtesy of CA DIR

You are invited to attend an upcoming Public Works Workshop Webinar on Friday, June 12, 2026. This informative session will provide guidance and updates regarding key public works compliance requirements for contractors and subcontractors.

Webinar Topics Include:

• Apprenticeship Compliance Requirements
• Payment of Prevailing Wage Compliance on Public Works Projects
• Public Works Contractor Registration (PWCR)
• Certified Payroll Reporting Requirements
• Common Compliance Issues and Best Practices
• Q&A Session with Public Works Compliance Professionals

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026

Format: Online Webinar

Time: 9:30 am - 12 noon

Registration Information: https://dir-ca-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8R-KYdx9SGObOt8jv0Jijg

WECA Member Contractors: Reminder of Your Member Benefit: a Complimentary eBook Download of "Blueprint to California's Prevailing Wage: a Contractor's Guide"

Also Available for Public Purchase


 

California public works contractors have long grappled with prevailing wage law. Compliance requires understanding and applying a complex set of legal statutes that are ever changing--and California is often singled out as having the most complicated set of prevailing wage requirements in the nation.

Blueprint to California's Prevailing Wage guides readers through California prevailing wage compliance beginning with basic introductions, up through advanced sample wage calculations. This eBook is intended for audiences at all levels, regardless of prior knowledge, from the novice to the experienced professional, contractor to office staff.

Blueprint to California's Prevailing Wage is unlike any other prevailing wage text. Learning is made as painless as possible, and is facilitated throughout by a rich visual presentation, engaging infographics, and an interactive design. Instead of quoting the inaccessible language of case law, we bring the law to life through a graphic-rich presentation--helping readers to more easily learn and retain information about their prevailing wage obligations. Topics include: new registration laws, debiting already paid benefits, calculating predetermined increases, footnotes, holiday pay, and much more.

WECA Member Contractors: download your complimentary copy from your dashboard.

Members of the public:

Get it for:

Amazon Kindle (best choice for Kindle devices)

or Interactive PDF (best choice for desktop and laptop computers or other mobile devices)

WECA Arizona Member Contractors Corbins, K2 Electric, and SECON Make

Phoenix Business Journal's 2025 Top Electrical Contractors List, Ranked by 2025 Local Gross Sales


 

WECA congratulates Arizona Member Contractors Corbins, K2 Electric, and SECON on making the Phoenix Business Journal's 2025 Top Electrical Contractors list, ranked by 2025 Local Gross Sales!

Once again, WECA Arizona Member Contractors show how it's done!

VIew the full article and list here (subscription required to proceed beyond list preview).

Fresno Training Facility and Programs Celebrated with Central Valley Community



Watch highlights from the WECA Fresno Open House and Mixer

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WECA held an open house and mixer at our Fresno Training Facility on April 16th, and the event was a resounding success!

"A good number of locals stopped by to learn more about WECA," said Miller Le, WECA's Regional Relationship and Events Manager, who also expressed appreciation that so many WECA Member Contractors attended in support.

Attendees networked and discussed the ways apprenticeship drives electrical and construction innovation while creating a promising future, with zero student debt, for individuals in the communities we serve, such as Fresno and California's Central Valley.

"Another memorable part of the event was WECA instructor LaKeal Morris demoing electrical labs in front of the attendees. They enjoyed the glimpse into how hands-on learning labs work," said Miller.

WECA thanks everyone for attending the event and supporting the WECA Fresno Training Facility and the surrounding community, and especially thanks our board members for attending and continuously giving their time and support to WECA's causes.

 

WECA recently opened its doors in Utah to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026 with an open house that brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, government officials, and community members; highlighting the vital role of skilled trades in sustaining Utah's booming economy.

With over 4,940 apprentices currently active across the state of Utah, nearly half of whom are in the construction industry, the event showcased how programs like WECA Utah's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program are fueling Utah's economy and addressing the state's critical labor needs.

The open house was attended by stakeholders committed to building Utah's workforce, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Utah, the Division of Workforce Services, Associated General Contractors of Utah, Platt Electric Supply, and Helix Electric, as well as prospective apprentices and other members of the public.

During the open house, WECA apprentices participated in an Automated Lighting Controls (nLight) lab, led and developed by WECA Utah instructor Talon Pobuda. This lab is a cornerstone of the second-year curriculum and teaches apprentices how to install, program, and fix digital networked systems essential for modern infrastructure. Additionally, during the open house, stakeholders received a tour of our training facility, learned more about the WECA Utah Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program, networked with industry peers, and were treated to food, drinks, and WECA swag.

Thank you to everyone who attended the WECA Utah open house and mixer! We enjoyed seeing everyone and celebrating the building of Utah's premier electrical workforce!

 

Another year, another opportunity to share the news about apprenticeship during a National Apprenticeship Week open house at WECA's California headquarters in Rancho Cordova, CA! 

We were thrilled to show approximately 140 prospective apprentices in attendance around WECA's state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and facility, discuss WECA's Apprenticeship programs, have them listen to insight from current WECA Apprentices, and more!

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What a turnout at WECA San Diego's National Apprenticeship Week 2026 Open House! The energy was incredible as prospective WECA apprentices joined WECA instructors Don Williams and Alex Cortez for a facility tour, lab demos, learning about our Apprenticeship programs, and more! Thank you all for attending!

Ian Vander Linden, CEO of WECA Member Contractor K S Telecom, discusses WECA apprenticeship and electrical training programs with interested students.






 

WECA's Outreach team recently worked their magic at a career fair at Sheldon High School in Elk Grove, CA on April 29th, and was joined in their efforts by Ian Vander Linden, the CEO of WECA Member Contractor K S Telecom. Additionally, WECA was situated next to WECA Member Contractors Royal Electric Company and Capitol Valley Electric.

The outreach team connected with a couple hundred students and educated them on the benefits and virtues of WECA apprenticeship and electrical training. Students were excited to learn more about WECA's programs and were enthusiastic about spinning WECA's prize wheel and getting WECA-branded light sabers.

Thank you, Sheldon High School, for having us, and a big thank you to Ian for supporting us in our outreach efforts!

Reaching Out to Arizona's Future Electrical Workforce at the Maricopa County Apprenticeship Fair and a Speaking Engagement at East Valley Institute of Technology








 

WECA Arizona attended the Maricopa County Apprenticeship Fair on April 29th in Goodyear, AZ. The fair offered information about career pathways in the trades, healthcare, information technology, and other fields. There were over 800 attendees at the event.

In addition to hosting a booth, WECA Arizona was interviewed in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2026. WECA Arizona was also joined by community partners Grand Canyon University and Habitat for Humanity, both of whom provide pathways for job seekers who have yet to learn the trades.

"We were grateful to have guests lined up to learn more about careers in the commercial electrical industry, and this event was a wonderful way of showing guests the path to successful moves into the Arizona trades. A big thank you to Maricopa County Workforce Development and the city of Goodyear for hosting such a wonderful event," said Heath Anderson, WECA Arizona's Outreach and Workforce Development Specialist.

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After National Apprenticeship Week 2026, WECA Arizona also had the opportunity to see some upcoming CTE graduates. The East Valley Institute of Technology invited WECA Arizona to speak to their electrical students.

During two sessions, WECA Arizona spoke to approximately 200 students who are completing a year of electrical training as part of their high school programs. In addition to covering WECA Arizona's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship program and WECA Member Contractors in Arizona, WECA Arizona addressed common questions that students have prior to graduating from their CTE program. Heath reported that some of the best questions focused on how students would make themselves stand out when applying to work for electrical contractors, and what to expect as they move into the electrical industry.

"We appreciated the opportunity to speak to these young men and women and wish them the greatest of success in joining those who build Arizona," said Heath.

 

WECA California Members: CA DIR Contractor Registration and Renewal Period Began on May 1st

CA State Labor Commissioner's Office Also Providing FREE Registration and Renewal Workshops to Assist with the Process; Register or Renew Your Contractor Number Below
 

Content courtesy of CA DIR

Message to contractors:

The contractor early registration and renewal period began on May 1st.

Join the PW Portal and register or renew your contractor registration here.

Fiscal year 2026/2027 covers the registration period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Here is a helpful video on how to register/renew a contractor registration number.

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Need assistance with registering or renewing your contractor number? The State Labor Commissioner's Office is offering FREE workshops to assist with the process.

Monday, June 8, 2026 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Topic: PWCR - Registration & Renewal Workshop

Register here