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Wednesday, October 23, 2024   Congratulations to the WECA Northern and Southern California Classes of 2024!

Relive the WECA Northern California Class of 2024 Graduation:



Relive the WECA Southern California Class of 2024 Graduation:



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Celebrating the WECA Northern California Graduation




 

WECA held its Northern California Class of 2024 graduation on Saturday, October 5th at the Sacramento Zoo in Sacramento, CA

The 363 attendees, notably graduates from WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship, Residential Electrical Apprenticeship, Low Voltage Apprenticeship, and Electrician Trainee Certificate programs, as well as their families, friends, and contractors, celebrated the graduates' hard work and accomplishments amongst the animals, on the zoo's Reptile House lawn. After three to five years of intensive training in the classroom and on-the-job for Apprentices, and four years for Electrician Trainees, the graduates deserved to be feted!

Wendy Flanagan, WECA's Assistant Director of Apprenticeship, did an excellent job (as always) of coordinating and co-hosting the graduation ceremony. Wendy says, "Thank you to everyone for making this such a special day for our graduates! There were so many kind words and comments from our graduates, their loved ones, and our special guests. It was definitely a hot day, but the food and company were great, and the drinks were cold!"

WECA thanks the Sacramento Zoo for helping us host such a unique celebration, and appreciates the continued generosity of our sponsors, gift donors, and industry supporters, who help make our graduations memorable for our graduates and their families. 

WECA additionally thanks special guests -- such as Hershel Baser, Jr. of the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards and Raymond Carrillo of the United States Department of Labor -- for attending the graduation. 

WECA congratulates our 2024 Northern California graduates, whose future contributions to the electrical and low voltage industries we will enjoy celebrating for years to come! 





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Celebrating the WECA Southern California Graduation




 

WECA held its Southern California Class of 2024 graduation on Saturday, September 28th at the Temecula Creek Inn in Temecula, CA.

In attendance were 245 graduates from WECA's Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship, Residential Electrical Apprenticeship, Low Voltage Apprenticeship, and Electrician Trainee Certificate programs, and their families, friends, and contractors. The fete was held on the inn's patio as well as in the inn's ballroom. After three to five years of intensive training in the classroom and on-the-job for Apprentices, and four years for Electrician Trainees, we were excited to finally celebrate their hard work and accomplishments at the beautiful inn, with great weather! 

"Graduation is such a special time," says Wendy Flanagan, WECA's Assistant Director of Apprenticeship. "We have had the privilege to share in our graduates' lives for three to five years, and seeing them at graduation with their families and friends was amazing. We enjoyed watching our graduates thank their loved ones, employers, and instructors, and also enjoyed the big party celebration vibe of the evening!"

WECA thanks the Temecula Creek Inn for being such a fabulous venue -- replete with delicious food and drinks -- to host our Southern California graduation celebration at. Additionally, we are ever grateful for the generosity of the sponsors, gift donors, and industry supporters who contribute their time and resources to help make our graduations special for our graduates and their families. 

WECA congratulates our 2024 Southern California graduates on their achievements, and we look forward to sharing in your future success in the electrical and low voltage industries! 





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Thank You to the 2024 Graduation Sponsors and Graduate Gift Donors for Their Continued Generosity and Support



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Wednesday, October 23, 2024   Meet Some Graduates from the WECA Northern California Class of 2024

(Miss Out on Reading Our Southern California Grad Spotlights? Check Our Prior September Issue)


 

Confidence. That is an invaluable thing that WECA and its Electrician Trainee Certificate Program have provided to Anthoney Castro, the 2024 Northern California Electrician Trainee Valedictorian.

“I feel more confident in the field with the things I learned while attending WECA,” says Anthoney. “The education I received was fantastic and has given me a deeper understanding of electricity, how to safely work with it, and how to interpret the NEC. That has greatly increased opportunities for me.”

Anthoney chose the in-person lab option for his classes in the program. “The instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful. The classes were detailed and well-organized. Even with the experience I have acquired in the field, I felt like I was learning and growing in electrical knowledge with every class. The in-class lessons were fun and educational; it was a great experience,” recalls Anthoney.

Initially, Anthoney enrolled in WECA’s Electrician Trainee Program with one goal: to pass the California State Journeyman Exam, which he accomplished. But with an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate in hand, Anthoney will leave WECA with a vast wealth of electrical knowledge, which will help him one day achieve his dream of owning his own electrical company.

Anthoney prospered during his Electrician Trainee Program journey due to support from his family, employer, and mentors.

“My wife, Linsey, took care of our kids and everything at home so I could focus in class and study. My dad pushed me to become an electrician. My company gave me the opportunity to attend WECA. And my mentors helped expand my electrical knowledge,” says Anthoney.

However, success starts with yourself, according to Anthoney.

“Don’t give up, believe in yourself, and make the decision to be great at whatever you do,” advises Anthoney. “There will be things that will try to pull you in a different direction, challenges and people that will try to tell you that you can’t do it or maybe even asking yourself if it is even worth it. It is. Stay focused; in the end, it is definitely worth it.”

Thank you for choosing WECA’s Electrician Trainee Certificate Program for your electrical education and certification preparation, Anthoney! We’re thrilled to celebrate your achievement of becoming Valedictorian of your class and we hope your example of hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm will inspire others.

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2024 WECA Northern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Valedictorian Christian Farley says of WECA’s program that “You can learn many things on a job site, but with WECA classrooms and instructors, you can basically touch any electrical subject and be properly informed.”

Christian, who studied at WECA’s Fresno Apprenticeship Training Center, credits WECA and the Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Program curriculum with giving him the skills and the confidence to be assured in his career.

“The instructors helped walk students through various electrical scopes and are informative in the classroom as well as in the labs to ensure every student understands what to do and how to do it,” Christian says. “Learning how to navigate the NEC, read plans, proper wiring methods, and even being able to call the instructors has been an invaluable experience. Without WECA, I would not have had the valuable exposure and been formed into a skilled and trained state-certified journeyman. That experience is so valuable for anyone seeking to be a competent and skilled electrician.”

Christian’s learned skills and acquired confidence translated well into his performance on the job site with various WECA Member Contractors, most recently C3 Electric, and previously with members Imperial Electric Service and Westech Systems, LLC.

“I had the opportunity to work for big shops and small shops. The interesting thing is that I was able to do underground, service calls, commercial, residential, and industrial. WECA works with many contractors who each have their own niche and each employer I have worked for has been a learning experience in each scope. The on-the-job training was a great experience and taught me many additional skills and gave me self-worth,” recalls Christian.

However, Christian acknowledges that a lot of his success can be attributed to his self-determination, as well as his robust support system in the classroom and at home.

“It has been very important to me to give the very best of myself to whatever it is that I do. We are the ones in the driving seat of our learning experience,” says Christian. “We get out of our experience what we put in. Showing up every day and putting in the work and trying to master my craft one step at a time has yielded benefits. You reap what you sow, so always give your best.”

Support-wise, Christian thanks “My beautiful wife, Cathryn, for being there for me every single day. My son, Seth, my legacy and my responsibility to train up in the right ways. WECA for being an institution with high standards and for the quality of the learning experience. And a huge thank-you to (WECA apprenticeship instructors) George Leach for his many decades of electrical experience and his ability to share that valuable knowledge with the class, and Jaron Stroud for diving in deep on electrical concepts and encouraging students to trust the process of learning and to implement what we learned.”

In that same vein, Christian advises current and future WECA apprentices to trust the process.

“WECA has a proven model that yields tremendous benefit in learning, on-the-job training, pay, and more. Trust the process and take your education seriously. You get out of the program what you put in, so with the many resources that WECA provides, utilize them to become the best you can be. In the end, you will be skilled and certified, and that experience alone is very rewarding,” says Christian.

Rewarding, indeed: in the future, Christian aspires to start his own electrical contracting business in California’s Central Valley region and to take the skills that he has learned at WECA to provide high-quality electrical work in the region. Additionally, Christian also plans to come full-circle and train apprentices through WECA so that they are properly trained for the electrical field.

Congratulations on your graduation and accomplishments, Christian, and for planning to train your future apprentices through WECA – an enduring testament to the quality and power of WECA’s electrical education! We look forward to sharing in your success in California’s Central Valley in the future.

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For 2024 WECA Northern California Low Voltage Valedictorian Jorge Vazquez, an employee of WECA Member Contractor AMS.net, the Low Voltage Apprenticeship Program allowed him to continue where he left off after high school, but with the benefit of simultaneously obtaining an education and training for an eventual career as a Voice Data Video Technician.

“I was not able to continue my education after high school, and I jumped right into the work field. (Until) WECA gave me the opportunity to further my education and pave a way for a career,” says Jorge.

Jorge attributes his success at WECA and with his employer AMS.net to innate personality traits and skills and strategies learned in the classroom and on-the-job, and to the education he received from instructors Randy Rivera and John Arias.

“My on-the-job training and WECA education prepared me for my career by equipping me with practical skills, quick problem-solving abilities, enhanced safety awareness, confidence, and preparation for unseen challenges,” says Jorge. “I am also meticulous, organized, safety-oriented, and competitive … these skills that I acquired in my previous twenty-two-year career in the specialty rental business paved the way for me to become Valedictorian of my class. I would also like to thank my instructors Randy Rivera and John Arias for preparing and encouraging me to succeed, and my employers at AMS.net for the opportunity to acquire new skills at WECA.”

No matter what apprentices bring to the table, Jorge urges apprentices to invest in themselves and be the best they can be.

After graduation, Jorge plans to continue working as a Journeyman with AMS.net, with the eventual goal of becoming a lead.

Congratulations on your graduation, Jorge! WECA is proud to have played a part in furthering your education and providing training for your new career, and wishes you the best in your future endeavors!

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2024 WECA Northern California Low Voltage Salutatorian Nathanael Prendez, Jr. – an employee of WECA Member Contractor Johnson Electronics – characterizes his WECA education as challenging yet rewarding.

During his apprenticeship, Nathanael also says that his on-the-job training experience with Johnson Electronics gave him the opportunity to experience and solve real-life problems on the job, and practice skills like thinking on the spot.

For Nathanael, being successful in his apprenticeship and becoming the Salutatorian of his class came about from a multitude of factors: fellow classmates, his instructors, and the support of his family.

“My teachers as well as my fellow classmates contributed to my success; collaborating with them during class and labs and learning the skills that they have acquired during their own personal jobs really helped,” says Nathanael. “I would also like to thank my wife Samantha and my daughter Isabel for supporting me.”

For WECA apprentices who wish to emulate Nathanael’s success, he encourages them to apply themselves while studying and make the most of each semester of instruction.

Now that he has graduated, Nathanael plans to “continue to grow in my experience at Johnson Electronics and continue my education for further growth and development.”

Congratulations on your graduation and for becoming Salutatorian of your class, Nathanael! We are proud of your hard work ethic and continuous growth mindset.

Read more >>


Wednesday, October 23, 2024   WECA Member Contractor Blum Electric Celebrates Their WECA California Class of 2024 Graduates


 

WECA Member Contractor Blum Electric also got in on the WECA California Class of 2024 graduation spirit!

They shared this ad to highlight the achievements of their employees Jonathan Espinoza (Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Valedictorian), Matthew Renteria (Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Salutatorian), Michael Blum (Northern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Salutatorian) and Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship graduates Garrett AlfordMario Alvarado, and Brandon Blum.

Congratulations, everyone!

Read more >>


Wednesday, October 23, 2024   Join WECA at an Apprenticeship Programs Open House for National Apprenticeship Week 2024

Already an Apprentice? Share This Opportunity with Someone You Know





Download this flyer

This November, WECA is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2024 with Open House events at four of our Apprenticeship Training Facilities! Please join us at our Sacramento, Fresno, San Diego, or Phoenix locations for one of these fun and informative November events that just might be your first step into your future career!

At a WECA Apprenticeship Program Open House, you'll learn more about WECA's three state and federally-approved Electrical (Commercial Electrical and Residential Electrical) and Low Voltage (Sound and Communications Installer-Voice Data Video and Fire Life Safety) Apprenticeship programs, focused on whichever are offered at the facility you're visiting. (Commercial Electrical is offered at all facilities.) Tour WECA's training facilities, see lab demos, meet WECA instructors and staff, get your individual questions answered, learn about the application process, and more! We encourage you to pre-register for your event ahead of time to secure your spot, but will also accept walk-ins on the day of the event if space allows. Pre-registration will allow you to receive event reminders and updated event information.

Apprenticeship means you get paid to learn. It's a path to a great, skilled career, without having to take on any college debt.

Please RSVP here for your preferred Open House


 
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Wednesday, October 23, 2024   CA Electrician Certification Unit Announces Backlogs Resolved for New Applications and Renewals

Says Applications Will Again Be Processed in a 30-Day Timeframe


 

Content courtesy of: California Department of Industrial Relations (CA DIR)/California Labor Commissioner's Office

The California Labor Commissioner's Office is excited to announce the application backlog for the Electrician Certification Unit has been resolved.

Team members redirected their work to assist with and process more than 27,000 applications this year. Electricians and Trainees can now expect a 30-day processing time for new applications and renewals. 

Read more >>


Wednesday, October 23, 2024   Electrician Trainees: Want to Get More Continuing Education Hours in October?

Choose Three Ways to Take GetWired 200 Series Classes: with Online Labs, In-Person Labs, or Entirely Online Self-Paced Classes

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


GetWired 201: Introduction to Alternating Current, Branch Circuits, and Feeder/Service Calculations, is the fifth course in the path to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate with WECA.

This 36-hour course is designed for students who have completed the 100 series successfully, or for experienced electricians who want to refresh their knowledge of electrical theory and expand their skills.

You will review content covered in GetWired 104 and expand 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

Topics covered in the course include:

  • Finding information in the NEC
  • Conductor comparisons and resistance
  • Branch circuits and feeders
  • Make up and box fill calculations - a hands-on or interactive online lab
  • Introduction to service calculations
  • Magnetic induction
  • Dwelling load calculations
  • Services
  • Total class hours available: 36
  • Standard Tuition Fee: $339

LATE ENROLLMENT FEES WAIVED!

Enroll in GetWired 201 Instructor-Led with Online Lab (OCT. 30)!

Enroll in GetWired 201 Instructor-Led with Onsite In-Person Lab (OCT. 30)!

Prefer to learn and study on your own time and at your own pace? We also offer GetWired 201 Self-Paced! Enroll here.
 

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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 – online instructor-led lab
  • Total class hours available: 36
  • Standard Tuition Fee: $389

LATE ENROLLMENT FEES WAIVED!

Enroll in GetWired 202 Instructor-Led with Online Lab (OCT. 24)!

Prefer to learn and study on your own time and at your own pace? We also offer GetWired 202 Self-Paced! Enroll here.
 

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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

LATE ENROLLMENT FEES WAIVED!

Enroll in GetWired 203 Instructor-Led with Onsite In-Person Lab (OCT. 30)!

Prefer to learn and study on your own time and at your own pace? We also offer GetWired 203 Self-Paced! Enroll here.
 

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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 – hands-on-lab
  • Single-phase motors
  • Total class hours available: 39
  • Standard Tuition Fee: $389

LATE ENROLLMENT FEES WAIVED!

Enroll in GetWired 204 with Onsite In-Person Lab (OCT. 24)!

Prefer to learn and study on your own time and at your own pace? We also offer GetWired 204 Self-Paced! Enroll here.

 

 

Read more >>


Wednesday, October 23, 2024   Pics from WECA San Diego: Fourth Year Commercial Electrical Apprentices in the Motor Controls Lab

Fourth year, first semester Commercial Electrical Apprentices in San Diego recently applied their knowledge of motor controls in the lab setting under the guidance of instructor Don Williams.











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Wednesday, October 23, 2024   Important CA Commercial Electrical Apprentice Open Enrollment Benefit Information Reminder

Dear WECA Commercial Electrical Apprentices,

The new benefit year (covering October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025) has begun.

The Anthem Blue Cross ID cards have been mailed out. Please review your ID card(s) upon receipt. If you would like to change your primary care physician, please call Anthem Blue Cross's customer service number listed on the back of your ID card. This year, you will receive one ID card for all three benefits (medical, dental, and vision).

Use one of the attached flyers to register with Anthem Blue Cross and have quick and secure digital access to your health insurance information. Additionally, you may also access important Anthem Blue Cross benefit information here.



Download the registration flyer here.

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Download the Sydney app download instructions flyer here.

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Wednesday, October 23, 2024   Get Ready for the Holidays with SmartDollar, Your FREE WECA Apprenticeship Benefit

Content Courtesy of: SmartDollar




 

Content courtesy of: SmartDollar

The holidays are sneaking up on us...is your budget ready?

How is it already almost the holiday season? Wasn't it just July or something?

We're pretty sure that sums up just about everyone's year--pretty confident on that one. But hey! Here we are just weeks away from the holidays, and the vast majority of people haven't even thought about their holiday budget. So, let this be your ever-so-friendly reminder that:

Your budget needs to happen to the holidays, so the holidays don't happen to your budget.

There. We said it. Now, here are some tips on how to actually do that so the end of the year can be a celebration instead of sadness (and debt).

1. Budget. Always, always, ALWAYS make a budget for holiday spending. If it isn't a regular purchase (think January-October), you need it in your holiday budget. And actually stick to your holiday budget.

2. Block out Black Friday. If there is something on sale that you've budgeted for (no cheating now), go for it! Just get in the habit of saying no. It's the perfect time of year to practice.

3. Sell stuff you don't need. People all over are looking for used gifts, an extra chair for their family Christmas, or another pie dish because Aunt Tina "wants pecan pie, not pumpkin pie."

The holidays aren't just about financial stress. With family get-togethers, school programs, and work parties...it can be a lot to handle! Check out these tips about avoiding stress during the holidays.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






 

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

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

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard

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Monday, September 30, 2024   Meet the Valedictorians and Salutatorians of the WECA Southern California Class of 2024

Jonathan Espinoza, the Valedictorian of the WECA Southern California Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship Class of 2024, already had some experience under his toolbelt when he started his WECA Commercial Electrical Apprenticeship journey in 2019.

Jonathan began working for WECA Member Contractor Blum & Sons Electric, Inc. in 2018. After a year with the company, Blum & Sons offered Jonathan the opportunity to apprentice with them, an opportunity Jonathan says, “opened up many doors for me.”

“My WECA education and on-the-job training with Blum & Sons was instrumental in helping me pass my state exam and become the journeyman I am today,” says Jonathan. “I believe there were many factors that contributed to my success—my coworkers’ help, my instructors’ guidance, and my determination and my desire to succeed. But, most importantly, the support system I had from my family.”

Looking back on his apprenticeship journey, Jonathan advises apprentices to push themselves during the rigorous times, because the hard work will be worth it in the long run.

Moving forward, Jonathan plans to continue his education and branch out into various fields of electrical work.

“I would like to give a great thank you to everyone at Blum & Sons for providing this opportunity that I never thought I would get, and for always supporting me and helping me along the way. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife and children for always being my biggest support system and motivation,” says Jonathan.

Congratulations on your graduation and your Valedictorian achievement, Jonathan! We have no doubt that your determination and ambition will serve you well in all aspects of your electrical career!

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WECA Southern California Class of 2024 Residential Valedictorian Josh Nordholm, an employee of WECA Member Contractor Surfside Electric, credits his success to WECA’s educational programs, culture, staff, and instructors.

“WECA provided me with a fully equipped academic environment, a culture of excellence, and the staff and teachers who maintain high standards of learning, which were all conducive to preparing me for a career in the electrical trade,” says Josh. “In class, it was all about industry standards—this is how things should be done, and here’s what you need to know to get it done properly and safely.”

However, Josh says that his success was not linear and advises that current and future apprentices embrace that reality when faced with obstacles or doubt.

“I always strove for perfection in class and in the field. Did I always achieve it? Heck no! And that’s okay, but I can say that I gave it my all and I got as close to perfect as I was going to get. So, stick with it. There are some pretty intimidating aspects of the curriculum and the trade, but trust the process. WECA knows what they’re doing. And don’t be late on your dang time cards,” entreats Josh.

Reflecting more on his time in WECA’s Residential Electrical Apprenticeship Program, Josh shared lots of appreciation for his instructors and his boss at Surfside Electric, Ryan.

“Jaron, Neil, and Don all brought a unique flavor to the classroom, but all were equally committed to seeing us succeed. I’m pretty sure Jaron knows everything, and it was a pleasure to pick his brain,” reminisces Josh. “Neil was always talking to us about the bigger picture and helping us understand the nature of the job and situations we would likely face. Don is a real nice guy with insane grip strength, but there were no shortcuts in his class. If you asked him a question, he would tell you how to find the answer. You could ask him if it’s okay to wear blue on Tuesdays and he would ask ‘What’s the code say?’ I also appreciate my boss Ryan for sponsoring me through the apprenticeship and just being an understanding and supportive guy.”

Now that Josh has his Residential Electrical Apprenticeship Program certificate under his toolbelt, he reports that the sky is the limit for his future.

“I’ll keep learning and working for Surfside Electric,” says Josh. “I may go out on my own eventually, or I could go work for a facility and teach! The doors are now open.”

?Congratulations, Josh! Thank you for applying humor and humility to your WECA education, and for sharing those nuggets of wisdom with us. We look forward to following your endeavors—including maybe seeing you as an instructor in the halls of a WECA training facility in the future!

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WECA Southern California Class of 2024 Low Voltage Salutatorian Erik Martinez Jimenez’s WECA education was multifaceted.

“The WECA program was great for me, because I got to learn multiple systems, which helped me out once I was in the field,” reports Erik, an employee of WECA Member Contractor AMS.net. “WECA taught me multiple skills which I could use in the field, too.”

Erik also appreciates that WECA’s in-classroom education also focused on dissecting and disseminating apprentices’ on-job experiences.

“We did a lot of stuff in the field that we later discussed in class, like why we did things a specific way or why we ran cables a certain way. Class helped me understand why we terminated things on the field and the purpose of it,” says Erik.

Erik’s WECA apprenticeship education, coupled with guidance from apprenticeship instructors, helped him pass the California Voice Data Video Technician certification exam and excel on and off the jobsite.

“The material we went over in class helped me pass the VDV exam,” recalls Erik. “Instructors also guided me over the years and were always there for us if we needed help.”

He also says that “Having the support of my family, friends, instructors, and coworkers contributed to my success at WECA. My work ethic and hunger to learn were also big factors.” 

For those wanting to replicate Erik’s drive and success, his advice is simple:

“Make yourself valuable by learning new things or getting certifications to show your hunger to succeed,” implores Erik. “Show your company that you want to be there by showing a great work ethic and by learning new things on your own. Always be on top of things when working with your coworkers, such as doing things without having them tell you. These three years go by fast, so enjoy your time as an apprentice and open your exam books throughout the years to be prepared [to pass the certification exam] by your third year.”

After graduating this fall, Erik has a laundry list of things he would like to accomplish.

“My plans are to become a lead for AMS.net, get a C7 contractors license in the future to start doing my own work, and get more certifications, such as BICSI, fire optic, and fire alarm certifications,” concludes Erik.

We love to see it—a graduate with the drive and determination to continually improve and craft their career! Congratulations on your graduation, Erik—we’ll be cheering you on as you conquer the industry!

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There's more than one way to become—and succeed as—an electrician through a WECA training program. Just ask Jacob Minkoff, the Salutatorian of the WECA Southern California Electrician Trainee Program Class of 2024.

Jacob’s on-the-job training with his contractor, coupled with the education he received through WECA’s Electrician Trainee Certification Program, prepared him to earn his general electrician journeyman certification in November 2023.

“My WECA education was very informative and wide-ranging in electrical knowledge. It prepared me for my career by providing me with the necessary knowledge, so I could understand and perform the required tasks in my career. Meanwhile, my on-the-job training with my employers prepared me for my career by allowing me to build skills and gain experience,” says Jacob.

As a student in the WECA Electrician Trainee Program, Jacob's recipe for success was similar to that of his apprenticeship counterparts. He attributes his success to “keeping up with the assigned reading and homework, signing on early to the lectures, participating in answering questions asked by the instructor, and continually practicing using the NEC code book as often as possible.”

“I’d also like to thank all of my instructors for sharing their electrical and code knowledge and experience, and for allowing the trade to continue to grow and expand this way,” says Jacob.

To succeed like he has, Jacob implores apprentices and GetWired students alike to take the development of knowledge in their trades seriously, to be vigilant in their applications of that knowledge when working, and to never stop learning.

Jacob takes the “never stop learning” mantra seriously—aside from continuing to grow in his electrical career, Jacob plans to someday pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

Congratulations, Jacob! Thank you for being a great example of success in the WECA Electrician Trainee Program, and we wish you the best in acquiring a degree in electrical engineering in the future!

Read more >>


Monday, September 30, 2024   Southern California Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony Coverage Coming Soon

In the Meantime, Thank You to Our Southern California Graduation Sponsors and Gift Donors!

Stay tuned for a special publication featuring the WECA Southern California Class of 2024! We celebrated their graduation this past weekend, and have pictures and video coming your way soon! In the meantime, we want to extend our gratitude to our Southern California Graduation Sponsors and Gift Donors.

Read more >>


Monday, September 30, 2024   Electrician Trainees: WECA Fall Session (Oct-Dec 2024) Classes Are Starting Soon!

Have you enrolled yet?: Our Fall 2024 (Oct-Dec) course catalog is available on our website, and GetWired instructor-led classes are starting soon in October. 

If you prefer instructor-led, be sure to enroll ASAP to get your spot.

And if you prefer self-paced--enroll whenever! But remember to stay enrolled to keep your CA ET registration valid.

View the Electrician Trainee course catalog

Jump to the Continuing Education course catalog

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









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

Watch our explainer video and get all your questions answered:

Read more >>


Monday, September 30, 2024   Pics: Third-Year Commercial Apprentices Keeping CPR Skills Up-to-Date in Class at WECA Riverside

We recently caught up with some third-year Commercial Electrical apprentices at WECA's Riverside training facility representing in WECA trucker caps while keeping their CPR skills fresh. Safety training and concepts are woven throughout the curriculum across all years in WECA's apprenticeship programs.



Read more >>


Monday, September 30, 2024   San Diego-Area Electrician Trainees: Get 16 Hrs. with BMC 1 on Oct. 12, 19 in San Diego

San Diego-Area Electrician Trainees: Get 16 Hours of Hands-on Experience with Basic Motor Controls, Part 1 on Oct. 12 and 19 in San Diego

Also Great for Journey Worker Electrician Continuing Education

Get hands-on experience building control circuits for motors as you learn the basics of Motor Controls.

In this lab-based course, working on a motor controls training board with up to one other student partner, you'll get hands-on experience with Basic Motor Controls Part 1, learning about and gaining experience with:

  • The parts and components of a motor circuit
  • Manual control, automatic control and control logic
  • Motor control line - ladder diagrams
  • Local Start / Stop Station
  • Multiple Start / Stop Stations
  • Using Selector Switches & Pilot Devices
  • Reversing circuits

Students who complete the course successfully receive a Certificate of Completion showing hours of attendance. This course is worth 16 hours of continuing education credit.

  • Total class hours available: 16
  • Standard Tuition Fee: $229 per person
  • Late Tuition Fee: $279 per person

Enroll in Basic Motor Controls, Part 1 on Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 in San Diego!

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Don't live in the San Diego area?

We've got you covered, Northern California: Basic Motor Controls, Part 1 will also be held at WECA's California HQ and training facility in Rancho Cordova on Nov. 16 and Nov. 23!

Enroll here.

Read more >>


Monday, September 30, 2024   Breathe Easy About Money Again: Take Advantage of SmartDollar, Your FREE Apprentice Benefit

Breathe Easy About Money Again: Take Advantage of SmartDollar, Your FREE Apprentice Financial Wellness Benefit

Not Taking Advantage of SmartDollar Yet? Learn How to Get Started Below

Content Courtesy of SmartDollar



 

Content courtesy of: SmartDollar

Say hello to SmartDollar, your free financial wellness benefit! Ditch money stress and learn to spend less, save more, and get rid of debt--for good.

You'll learn how to:

  • Handle financial emergencies
  • Eliminate debt
  • Change spending habits
  • Tackle money anxiety

Stay on track with access to:

  • EveryDollar, a budgeting app
  • The Debt Snowball Tool
  • Financial coaching
  • Educational content

YOU have the power to change your life. Take control of your money today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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







 

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

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

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard

Read more >>


Thursday, August 29, 2024   Fourth Year, Second Semester Commercial Apprentices Work on Motor Controls in the Lab in Fresno

Checking in on some of our fourth year, second semester Commercial Electrical apprentices at WECA's Fresno training facility: sure enough, hard at work in the motor controls lab, with guidance from instructor Jaron Stroud!















Read more >>


Thursday, August 29, 2024   WECA California Commercial Electrical Apprentices: It's Time for Open Enrollment

Complete Open Enrollment by September 5th; Coverage Starts October 1st
 

Open enrollment for WECA Commercial Electrical apprentices is taking place from August 22nd through September 5th, 2024.

This is an Active enrollment period. ALL WECA California Commercial Apprentices are required to complete the new Anthem Blue Cross enrollment form. Use your student ID # and password to log in to your Secure Dashboard at GOWECA.COM. Click on the Commercial Apprentice Health Benefits side menu, and then access the 2024-25 Lockton Benefits page for WECA Commercial Apprentices. This page will give you important information on your insurance coverages starting October 1, 2024, including how to find a Primary Care Physicians ID number/code, which is required, as well as much more information.

You may also review in advance the 2024-25 Lockton Benefits page here.

Read more >>


Thursday, August 29, 2024   Ready to Take the California Fire Life Safety or California Voice Data Video Tech Cert Exams?

Prepare to Excel with WECA's 32-Hour Self-Paced VDV and FLS Courses

Also Great as Code Refreshers for Continuing Ed!


 

Fire Life Safety Exam Preparation and Code Refresher (32 hour course)

This self-paced online course is for students who want to study for the California Fire Life Safety Technician certification exam at their own pace. Informative presentations help guide students through the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as well as the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72). It is meant for individuals almost ready to take the exam. It is also suitable as journeyman electrician or low voltage technician continuing education for those looking to further their knowledge in the area of Fire/Life Safety. Much of the class is dedicated to sample testing similar to state exams. It focuses on practical research by the students to find the answers to code questions rather than instruction by lecture.

Learning how to effectively subject index exam questions, whether located in the NFPA 70 or the NFPA 72, will help students to:

  • Effectively find the answers to any exam question
  • Improve exam-taking speed
  • Gain a greater understanding of their field

Total class hours available: 32

Standard Tuition Fee: $279

Enroll in Fire Life Safety Exam Prep!

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Voice Data Video Exam Preparation and Code Refresher (32 hour course)

This self-paced online course is for students who want to study for the California Voice Data Video Technician certification exam at their own pace. Informative presentations help guide students through developing proficiency in the preparation for and execution of the VDV certification exam. It is meant for individuals who are almost ready to take the exam. It is also suitable as journeyman electrician or low voltage technician continuing education for those looking to further their knowledge in the area of Voice Data Video. Much of the class is dedicated to sample testing similar to state exams. It focuses on practical research by the students to find the answers to questions rather than instruction by lecture.

Learning how to effectively subject index exam questions will help students to:

  • Effectively find the answers to any exam question
  • Improve exam-taking speed
  • Gain a greater understanding of their field

Total class hours available: 32

Standard Tuition Fee: $279

Enroll in Voice Data Video Exam Prep!

Read more >>


Thursday, August 29, 2024   The Roadmap to an Electrician Trainee Program Certificate from WECA

Read more >>


Thursday, August 29, 2024   WECA Data Room Build Updates

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work in San Diego and Sacramento

Ride along on the buildout of the updated Low Voltage Apprenticeship data room lab--this time at WECA San Diego! Here's the WECA Team getting Phase 1 done--timelapse capture credit to Curriculum Developer and Instructor Neil Pesarillo!



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If you missed our earlier installments of the WECA data room build chronicles, the improved data room labs will allow our Low Voltage Apprentices to expand upon their telecommunications and fiber optic installation and maintenance skills in an upgraded lab environment. These skills are increasingly important in today's world as companies continue to store massive amounts of data in secured spaces.

And, we've also got another build update for you on our upgraded data room lab for our Northern California Low Voltage apprenticeship program. Some of our apprentices recently got in on the action with Low Voltage instructor John Arias in a "real-world lab" kind of way--a great learning opportunity that comes with the satisfaction of knowing "I built that."





















 
Read more >>


Thursday, August 29, 2024   WECA Apprentices: It's Time for the SmartDollar September Cash Giveaway

Don't Miss Your Chance to Win Big--Enroll In Your SmartDollar Apprentice Financial Wellness Benefit If You Haven't Already


 

Content courtesy of SmartDollar

SmartDollar is offering ways to win serious money for the month of September!

You could win:

  • $500 (weekly prize)
  • $1,000 (budget bonus prize)
  • $5,000 (grand prize)

How to enter:

  • Create a SmartDollar account (or login if you already have one)
  • Return every day for more entries

Good luck! 

Not yet utilizing your FREE SmartDollar apprentice benefit? Get started below! 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

Ready to get started?

Login to your GOWECA dashboard

Read more >>


Thursday, August 29, 2024   WECA NorCal and SoCal Class of 2024: Don't Forget to Check Your Inboxes; RSVP for Your Graduations


 

WECA is excited to invite you to celebrate your achievements of successfully completing your programs! Graduates of WECA's Commercial Electrical, Residential Electrical, and Low Voltage Apprenticeship Programs, as well as Electrician Trainee Program graduates, will be honored at these events. Meet with your classmates, instructors, contractors, and WECA staff in honor of your graduation, and celebrate together with your families and friends! 

Please check your inbox for your invitation to RSVP for your graduation event--you don't want to miss this!

Read more >>


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