California Electrical Trainee Program

California’s Electrical Trainee (ET) Program

To perform electrical work in California, you must have a state journeyman license, be enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program, or be registered as an electrical trainee.

Understanding the Electrical Trainee Role

Many people think electrical trainees and apprentices are the same, which is partially true. In California, all apprentices must be registered as electrical trainees. However, not all electrical trainees are enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs.

An apprentice is part of a structured 4-5 year apprenticeship program. They gain practical experience by working with contractors affiliated with the program and attend related instructional classes in the evenings.

On the other hand, an electrical trainee may work directly for an electrical contractor and attends a state-approved school, like a community college or private trade school. Unlike apprentices, electrical trainees do not receive automatic job placement through their educational program. Instead, they must independently seek employment opportunities by interviewing and applying to various workplaces.

Despite these differences, both apprentices and electrical trainees are often referred to as apprentices on job sites to differentiate them from journeymen, who hold state licenses.

How to Become an Electrical Trainee

Becoming an electrical trainee in California involves a few key steps. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Enroll in a State-Approved School: Many community colleges offer electrical classes. If none are available, you can take online classes through the Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA).
  2. Fill Out an Electrician Trainee Application: Attach your proof of enrollment, and submit it to the state. Send the letter to the address found at the bottom of the form and include a $25 check payable to “DIR – Electrician Certification Fund” (all this information is on the application).
  3. Receive Your Electrical Trainee Card: Once your application is approved, you will receive your ET card, allowing you to legally work as an electrical trainee in California.

If you have any questions, call (510) 286-3900 to reach California’s electrical certification unit.

Benefits of Being an Electrical Trainee

  • Job Opportunities: Many electrical trainee jobs are available in various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work.
  • Hands-On Experience: Gain valuable on-the-job experience while attending school.
  • Career Advancement: Start building your career in the electrical field with the potential to advance to a journeyman electrician.

Electrical Trainee Jobs vs. Apprentice Positions

Understanding the differences between electrical trainee jobs and apprentice positions is crucial for choosing the right path.

Electrician Trainee vs. Apprentice

  • Electrician Trainee:
    • Works for an electrical contractor.
    • Attends state-approved electrical classes.
    • Must apply for jobs independently.
  • Apprentice:
    • Enrolled in a structured apprenticeship program.
    • Works with contractors associated with the apprenticeship.
    • Receives job placement assistance through the program.

How to Get Your Journeyman License in the Electrical Trainee Program

Once you complete your electrical trainee program schooling and have 8000 on-the-job hours, you can submit your application to take the electrician certification test. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Submit Your Application: Provide your certificate of completion from your school and obtain a social security certified work history report, which will be used to determine if you meet the required number of hours based on total earnings from the year.
  2. Work History Report: Even if you accumulate 8000 on-the-job hours before finishing school, you can still test for your journeyman license without finishing school. All it requires is a work history report proving your hours.

There are six different ways to qualify to take the state exam test. The option noted above is option number 5, but on-the-job training is option number 2.

If you have been working as an electrical helper but have not been registered with an apprenticeship or as an electrical trainee, your hours still count. However, please note that you are supposed to be enrolled in school under California law. If you notice you are working under an electrical contractor and are not enrolled in one of these programs, please do so immediately. For clarification, call California’s Electrical Certification Unit at (510) 286-3900.

Steps to Maintain Your Electrical Trainee Status

  • Renew Your ET Card: Ensure your electrical trainee card is up-to-date. Renewal typically involves submitting proof of ongoing enrollment in a state-approved program and a renewal fee.
  • Continue Education: Stay enrolled in your state-approved electrical classes to maintain your status as an electrical trainee.