Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA) | Evaluated Learning Experience
Residential Apprenticeship Program (Residential Wireman Training Program)
3 years, includes 480 hours of classroom instruction and 4,800 hours of field experience.
September 2013 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to: recall and apply the fundamental laws of electrical circuit theory to solve problems and analyze series, parallel, and combination circuits; construct, simulate and analyze electrical circuits and systems; apply the National Electric Code (NEC) to basic residential and commercial electrical installation projects; design and install electrical power and lighting branch circuits, using necessary National Electrical Code (NEC) calculations, lighting controls, and lamp/fixture/equipment information; recall and utilize conduit bending techniques and conductor fill calculations; identify and apply safety, operation, and maintenance practices for scissor and boom lifts; discuss and analyze requirements for residential and commercial branch circuits, feeders, and services, using load, parallel conductor, grounding, derating, and motor size calculations; develop proficiency in using NEC tables, articles, measurements, and terminology related to conductor properties; and apply it to simulated field scenarios; apply conduit bending techniques, NEC code, and best practices to size equipment and conductors for the installation of electric motors; discuss, differentiate and explain advanced electrical theory principles, including peak voltage, RMS voltage, inductance, impedance, capacitance, reactive power, voltage drop, true power, apparent power, VARs, waveforms, phase angle, R-L parallel circuits, and R-C Parallel circuits; apply appropriate electrical theory, engineering techniques and calculations to solve advanced electrical circuit problems; construct, simulate, measure, test, and analyze advanced electrical circuits; identify the sections and major topics included in the California Certification Exam, and explain the proper procedures for taking the exam; demonstrate knowledge of electrical fundamentals, principles, formulas, calculations and code interpretations relevant to the California General Electrical Certification Exam; demonstrate proficiency using the practice of subject indexing to quickly and accurately locate the National Electrical Code (NEC) article related to any given electrical installation question; define a foreman’s primary job and safety-related responsibilities and demonstrate best practices in project estimation and preparation of jobsite documentation; demonstrate communication, conflict resolution, and motivational techniques used in leadership positions; and explain the concepts and theory behind security and fire alarm systems.
Instruction is offered via classroom and includes supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, lab required interaction with instructor, and final exams. Major topics include: Electrical Safety; PPE; First Aid and CPR; Harassment Prevention; Basic Electrical Theory; Electrical Fundamentals; Math; Electrical Engineering Calculations; DC Systems; AC Systems; Circuit Wiring Schemes; Single-phase Systems; Three-phase Systems; Tools and Electrical Test Equipment; Material Handling; Electrical Symbols; Basic Electrical Drawings; Electrical Code Navigation; Residential Energy Code; Electrical Raceways; Electrical Device Layout; Electrical Installation Methods; Power Distribution Systems; Transformers; Generation and Power Supplies; Electrical Distribution Circuits; Single-phase Equipment; Three-phase Equipment; Basic Lighting Control; Electrical Code Interpretation; Specialty Systems; Fire Alarm Systems; Foremanship; Communication; and Personal Development.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 40 semester hours in Electrical Construction and Maintenance, distributed as follows: 3 semester hours in Introduction to Electrical Systems, 3 semester hours in DC systems, 3 semester hours in AC Systems, 3 semester hours in Introduction to Industrial Safety, 6 semester hours in Technical Math, 2 semester hours in Electric Codes, 1 semester hour in Introduction to Project Planning, 3 semester hours in Blueprint Reading, 6 semester hours in Basic Electrical Troubleshooting and Maintenance, 3 semester hours in Motors and Controllers, 3 semester hours in Introduction to Electronics, 3 semester hours in Basic Electronic Troubleshooting and Maintenance, and 1 semester hour in Construction Management (10/18) (10/23 revalidation). NOTE: Credit shall only be awarded upon full completion of the apprenticeship program.