On-The-Job-Training
Apprentices complete a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

Apprentice electricians perform work indoors or outdoors in dirty, hot, cold, and wet environments. Apprentices sometimes work in ditches; confined, awkward, and dusty spaces; and a great variety of other uncomfortable places. Work is sometimes strenuous. Apprentices may stand for long periods of time and frequently work on ladders and scaffolds. Injury from electrical shock, falls, and cuts must be avoided by adhering to strict safety procedures.

The apprentice is assigned to an electrical contractor in the state of New Mexico (and may have to travel long distances within the state) where he/she works with a Journeyman Electrician in the field who helps train the apprentice in performing a variety of services/duties related to electrical systems. Most assignments are a standard 40-hour week, although overtime may be required. Apprentices are taught to work with blueprints, following the National Electrical Code, as well as local and state electrical code/regulations, as they learn to install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems in a commercial/industrial setting. The duties performed include installation or maintenance of electrical circuits, boxes for electrical switches and outlets; connecting wire to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components, connecting motors to electrical power, installing electronic controls for industrial equipment, and installing electrical conduit.

Related Classroom Training
Two-hundred and twenty hours of coursework is completed yearly at our 13,000 square foot facility on Montbel Loop in Albuquerque by each apprentice by attending six hours of class each week, with summer and holiday breaks. Apprentices are taught AC and DC electrical theory, regulations pertaining to the electrical industry, a variety of electrical systems, heating, air conditioning, alarms, use of electrical measuring devices, transformer theory, motor control, electrical distribution using switchboards, panelboards and circuit breakers, applications for commercial and industrial electrical work, and control devices. In addition apprentices are taught proper use of hand and power tools, First Aid/CPR, safety and safe working conditons, welding, advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, programmable logic controls, and power quality.

Class sizes are small, providing for a teacher-student ratio of approximately 1:12. This allows teachers to get to know students individually, interacting with them on a one-to-one basis as necessary. Tutoring is available as needed for students who may struggle with certain topics or concepts within courses.

Apprentices are required to apply and further this knowledge while working for contractors. They take their state license test before graduation from the program.

Completion
Upon completion of the program, apprentices are recognized throughout the industry as highly skilled, well trained journeymen. They are assigned directly to IBEW Local Union 611 for work assignments with New Mexico NECA Contractors.