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 About Apprenticeship
Let's face it, college isn't for everyone. Yet, education beyond high school is vital to your future success and essential if you expect to obtain a well-paying job. If you enjoy working with your hands, investigate the possibility of a career as a Journeyman Electrician. Electrical Council of Florida sponsors an apprentice training program that can prepare you for a high paying job in the electrical trade. Since the Council is a non-profit organization and Sarasota County contributes to expenses, this can be accomplished at a nominal cost. In fact, in some cases you can receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training absolutely FREE! In addition, you will even EARN AS YOU LEARN! Then, instead of accumulating debt from tuition and student loans, you will earn a minimum of $104,748 during your term of apprenticeship. Frequently asked questions are listed below and will provide more information.   What is apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a combination of classroom study, homework, and on-the-job training. An apprentice electrician receives a weekly pay from an electrical contractor for work performed during the day. Apprentices attend school two nights each week for four years during the spring and fall semesters. There is no pay for classroom and homework assignments.  Is this a program for people with strong backs and weak minds?
Definitely not! Apprentice electricians are not college dropouts. They are people who recognize the value of preparing themselves for a challenging career in the construction and maintenance industries. In many respects, the ECF program is much like a college education. Apprentice electricians must develop strong reading, communication, and math skills in addition to physical abilities needed in the workplace.  All of this is required, just to wire a house?
Residential wiring is just a small area of the electrical construction industry. A construction electrician is responsible for the installation and repair of heating, lighting, power, and alarm systems in: * High rise apartment buildings * Hospitals * Schools * Theaters * Factories * Manufacturing facilities * Water treatment plants * Power generation facilities * And more.  Why does this require skills in reading, communication, and math?
Apprentice electricians are required to learn and understand highly technical material. They must be able to read and interpret: * National and local building codes * Blue prints * Plans and specifications * Wiring and control diagrams * OSHA regulations An apprentice works with journeymen electricians and other construction trades and must have the ability to: * Understand verbal instructions * Communicate orally with others * Write reports and maintain records Skill in mathematics is required to: * Compute electrical loads * Calculate conduit bends * Work with numbers and fractions * Understand ratios and percentages * Convert square units and metric units * Compute area and volume * Solve algebraic formulas * Understand electrical theory  What is it like on the job?
Apprentice electricians are assigned tasks that are required to bring power to buildings. You will be required to dig trenches, load and unload trucks, and deliver materials to journeyman electricians. As your skill and knowledge increases, you will install conduit, pull wire, set power panels, wire branch circuits, and install lighting fixtures. As you progress with your studies, you will work with meters and other diagnostic and test equipment to install and trouble shoot machinery and motor control circuits. An apprentice must be able to lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and work with both hand tools and power tools. The job requires physical activity and working out of doors. As an apprentice you will need to be: * Self motivated * Responsible * Dependable * A team player * Able to organize tasks * Able to meet deadlines  What will the future of the electrical industry be like?
The world depends upon electricity. Any career that will fulfill the needs of a worldwide marketplace is assured a promising future. In addition to this, South West Florida can be expected to continue to grow as more and more people leave the frigid North. Factor in the constant change in technology and electricians can expect a bright and prosperous future.  What qualifications do I need to apply?
* Minimum of 18 years of age * Highschool diploma or GED * Capable of performing the tasks required on the job and in the classroom * Applicant should also have reliable transportation Apprentices without a Highschool diploma can enter a Fast Track Class to obtain a GED prior to the first year of Apprentice instruction.  What does it cost?
At the most, tuition is only $450 per year! Employees of ECF member contractors receive a $100 discount. This fee includes textbooks. Most participating contractors reimburse tuition costs or have a payment agreement with each apprentice. The apprentice is required to provide the National Electrical Code and hand tools. This is possible because the Electrical Council of Florida is a nonprofit organization and costs are subsidized by Sarasota County. | Return Home | Questions | Bulletin Board | Wages | Contractors | Contact Us | Apprentice Committee | Locations & Links | Download Info | |
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