Included in the 576 hours of Construction Electrical Apprenticeship training:

• NFPA 70E / OSHA 30-Hour Safety Training
• AC/DC Theory
• Solid State Fundamentals
• Electric Motor / Motor Controls
• Programmable Logic Controls
• National Electrical Code
• Conduit Bending

Term of Apprenticeship

The Construction Electrician Apprenticeship Program is five years in length, consisting of 8,000 hours. The apprentice attends 576 hours of paid related instruction classes at Southwest Tech. Classes are usually one 8-hour day every other week between August and May. Apprentices must also complete unpaid related instruction in OSHA safety, NEC code, First Aid, CPR, and Transition to Trainer. Apprentices must take and pass the State Electrical Journeyman Exam prior to the completion of the Apprenticeship Contract.

Minimum Requirements

The apprenticeship applicant must complete the following to be considered a qualified applicant:

1. Complete Apprentice Application *
2. Provide a copy of your High School transcripts or GED
   • (High school seniors in their last semester may apply if they meet all other qualifications and submit a letter from their high school counselor stating they will graduate at the end of the academic year)
3. Prove you have a valid driver's license
4. Prove you have satisfactorily completed (C or better) one year of high school Algebra (or one semester college Algebra)
5. Take the Next-Generation Reading and Arithmetic assessment test. Please call 608.822.2313 or 800.362.3322 ext. 2313 to schedule an appointment for testing which is located in the Knox Learning Center.
6. Complete Employer Application *
7. Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with the program dean to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by contacting the program dean.

* The deadline for submitting the Apprentice Application and Employer Application is July 20. Not adhering to this deadline, could restrict starting the apprenticeship program.

No one will be considered a qualified applicant until all of the above requirements have been met.

Please submit the information listed above to:

You will be given a letter of introduction to give to prospective employers after all the minimum qualifications have been met. If you find an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice, contact Nicole Nelson at Southwest Tech 608.822.2400. Nicole will provide you with information on procedures to be followed by you and your employer.

Program Fees

• NOTE: This program is not eligible for financial aid. However, many apprenticeship employers pay for their Apprentice's tuition and fees.
• Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
• Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

Additional requirements

Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

A student successfully completing this program will be able to do the following:

• Installing new wiring and repairing old wiring.
• Installing receptacles, lighting systems and fixtures.
• Planning and installing raceway systems.
• Troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems.
• Planning and initiating projects.
• Establishing temporary power during construction.
• Establishing power distribution within project.
• Establishing grounding system.
• Installing service to buildings and other structures.
• Providing power and controls to motors, HVAC, and other equipment.
• Installing fire alarm systems.
• Installing and repairing traffic signals, outdoor lighting, and outdoor power feeders.
• Establishing OSHA and customer safety requirements.
• Installing instrumentation and process control systems, including energy management systems.
• Erecting and assembling power generation equipment.
• Installing security systems.
• Installing, maintaining and repairing lighting protection systems.
• Installing and repairing telephone and data systems.