THOUGHTFUL INSIGHTS...
In September 1941, the  National Apprenticeship Standards
 for the Electrical Construction Industry, a joint effort among the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Federal Committee on Apprenticeship, were established. 
...The IBEW's membership peaked in 1972 with 
approximately 1 million members.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Brotherhood_of_Electrical_Workers
National Apprenticeship Week 2017
To help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 477 & 440 Invited Us to Drop by During Their Evening Classes.

Apprentices in the IBEW complete five years of on-the-job training and earn college units and certificates as they compete college coursework in the evenings.  Apprenticeship Director at Norco College, Charles Henkels, took a few minutes to talk to some of the apprentices and the message from them was clear: apprenticeship is hard, but completely worth it.
 
So, why do people start an apprenticeship?  Electrician apprentices earn a competitive salary and have benefits, such as retirement plans and healthcare for their whole family. Many apprentices, though, find the work itself is really what captured their interest.  For example, Joseph Bruccheri, a first year apprentice, wants to leverage his skills as an Avionics Technician in the military and, "...transfer them into a career as an electrician."  Caleb Martines, a fourth year apprentice, described being an electrician as, "interesting & fulfilling."
 
No matter what gets individuals started, apprentices find the program presents a challenge unlike any other model of learning.  Apprentices develop skills working alongside the professionals in their field and they are held to high standards on the job and in the classroom.  This means working full time while completing a college education. First year apprentice, Nathaniel Mendoza, explained, "I have three kids and you have to balance everything."  Henkels asked if he felt like he was missing out on anything and he responded, "I don't feel like I'm giving anything up.  It's about reaching your goal."  Balraj Singh, a fourth year apprentice, agreed with the sentiment, stating he, "wished he got into this at 18."  He really appreciates his union and has practical advice he would give to people interested in completing an apprenticeship, such as understanding the process and the commitment of apprenticeship.
 
As much as it provides them with a challenge, the program also provides an opportunity that perhaps only apprentices can truly appreciate.  Putting it simply, Mendoza explained, "you learn both from the book and hands on."  Brian Munoz, a first year apprentice, agreed by stating that the best part of apprenticeship is, "learning in school and applying it at work."  Some apprentices indicated they were surprised by how much they were learning and the speed at which they got to try new skills and take on new challenges.  Martines was glad to work in a field that provides the opportunity to work both "mentally and physically." Martines added, "It's something productive. You get to see the fruits of your labor."
 
The future is bright for these apprentices as they build a solid foundation for a career.  For example, Munoz said, "he's glad to be in a career that will support him starting a family, owning a house, and picking up some 'toys' along the way."  Bruccheri is glad to be in a field where he can, "fully apply himself."  He didn't express specific goals other than to, "keep progressing."  Among the group, everyone was glad to be in the profession and working towards becoming electrician journeymen.
 
Henkels was most struck by the confidence these apprentices placed on learning the skills of their trade.  Henkels stated, "this is a group of individuals who get to see the immediate application of their education in the work place and they recognize the value of growing their own abilities."  He feels, after meeting them, "it's pretty clear why apprenticeship works."

For more information on the apprenticeship programs at Norco College, contact Charles Henkels at (951) 372-7028.

Norco College | Career & Technical Education | 951-372-7000 | cte@norcocollege.edu |   www.norcocollege.edu/CTE
STAY CONNECTED:
This project was funded fully or in part by Carl D. Perkins CTE Act of 2006 grant no. 16-C01-045 awarded to Riverside Community College District (RCCD) and administered by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.RCCD complies with all federal and state rules and regulations.  RCCD does not discriminate, and harassment of any employee or student is strictly prohibited, on the basis of ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression,  race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any characteristic listed or defined in Section 11135 of the Government Code or any characteristic that is contained in the prohibition of hate crimes set forth in subdivision (1) of Section 422.6 of the California Penal Code, or any other status protected by law.  This holds true for all students interested in participating in education programs, including career and technical education programs, and/or extracurricular school activities.  Limited English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation in any programs.  Harassment of any employee or student of RCCD with regard to ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression,  race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any characteristic listed or defined in Section 11135 of the Government Code or any characteristic that is contained in the prohibition of hate crimes set forth in subdivision (1) of Section 422.6 of the California Penal Code, or any other status protected by law is strictly prohibited.  For inquiries regarding compliance or grievance procedures, contact the District's Title IX Officer/Section 504/ADA Coordinator, 3801 Market St., Riverside, CA  92501.  (951) 222-8039.  For alternate formats of this material for individuals requiring disability accommodation, contact Jennifer Krutsch (951) 738-7779 .