Q.        What approved apprenticeship programs does ABC So-Cal offer and how long is each program?

A.        All programs are listed on our website.

Q.        What are the wages that I will be making?

A.        The wages are set by the State of California and the Department of Labor,  NOT ABC.  The wages are determined by where the project is located and when the project was bid.  For samples only, you can go to www.abcsocal.org.

Q.        Do I need any experience?

A.        It is not necessary to have any experience.  You will receive both On-the-Job-Training and classroom instruction.

Q.        How long will it take to get into the program?

A.        It will depend upon how many applicants are a head of you. (After all of the required documents are received by ABC So-Cal).

Q.        Do I have to find my own work?

A.        ABC is not a job placement center, we are a member based apprenticeship program.  However, if you are accepted into the program you will be dispatched to one of our member firms for on-the-job training.

Q.        What if I am currently working for a contractor?

A.        As long as all of the requirements are met, you will be placed on a waiting list for the next step of the application process. Once accepted, you will be dispatched to that company as an apprentice, as long as you are on the company’s payroll prior to entering the program.  If the contractor is not a member of ABC So-Cal, speak to your employer about becoming one.  Otherwise, ABC will dispatch you to a member of ABC So-Cal.

Q.        If I have experience, will I have to start at the first level?

A.        Depending on how many verifiable on-the-job training hours you have in the specific trade you are applying to get into, you could request to take the challenge test, as outlined in the Rules and Regulations of the program.        

Q.        How much does the program cost?

A.        The only out of pocket expense an individual has is the cost of your required tools for the trade and your classroom textbooks each year.

Q.        When will I go to school?

A.        Electrical classes are scheduled twice a year in what is called “Two-Week tracks”.  After you are accepted into the Electrical Apprenticeship program, which is effective the first day you start work, you will work for 4 to 6 months then come to school for two weeks straight Monday – Friday, 8 hours a day.  After completing the two-week semester, you will go back to work for another 4 to 6 months and so forth.

            Plumbing, HVAC, Sheet Metal and Low Voltage classes are two semesters per year, Fall and Spring.  You will attend school at least once a week at night for four hours.  If you enter the program after the Fall semester begins you will not start school until the next Fall class session begins.