Electrical Apprenticeship
Fall 2023 Semester
Grant applications must be submitted by July 5, 2023. All apprenticeship applicants will be given the opportunity to apply.
A pre-screening meeting will be held on July 10, 2023. Invitations will be emailed.
Non-funded applications should be submitted no later than July 31, 2023. All students are required to report method of payment for the semester.
Electricians install electrical systems in structures; install wiring and other electrical components, such as circuit breaker panels, switches, and light fixtures, and follow blueprints, the National Electrical Code® and state and local codes. To prepare for an electrical field career, the ABA Education Trust Fund offers a comprehensive, 4-level Electrical curriculum that complies with Department of Labor (DOL) time-based standards for apprenticeship.
What is required to apply?
- 18 years or older
- Driver’s License or Government-Issued ID (uploaded with application)
- Copy of your Birth Certificate (provided after acceptance)
- Reliable Transportation
- Commit to a 4-Year Education, 2 nights per week, Fall/Spring Schedule
How do I apply?
- Complete the Online Application.
When are the classes?
Classes are held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday schedule. While we try to accommodate requests for a certain schedule, it cannot be guaranteed. Once enrolled, staff will notify you of your schedule, prior to the beginning of each semester.The fall semester begins early-August and ends early-December. The spring semester begins early-January and ends mid-May.
Is financial assistance available?
While a few apprentices in the program do pay themselves, most receive some type of funding. After application, we will provide information regarding possible grants and scholarships. For apprentices who do not receive a grant or scholarship, often their employer will pay the tuition. If an apprentice does need to self-pay, a noninterest payment plan is available.
What is OJT?
Apprentices are required to work full-time for a contractor in their trade. This is considered on-the-job training or OJT. Hours are required to be logged into an online database. 2,000 hours are required per year and 8,000 hours are required to graduate. These hours are paid and there is a guaranteed minimum wage that increases after every 1,000 hours of OJT are completed.
Can courses be completed online?
For apprentices who live and/or work outside of Metro Phoenix, a hybrid course may be available. Apprentices in the hybrid program must complete the coursework in their book and online. Tests and labs are completed in person. These are offered in Phoenix and Tucson on designated Saturdays each semester. Only contractors can request that an apprentice be enrolled in the hybrid course.
What is covered in the classes?
1st Year
- Basic Safety/OSHA 10
- Basic Hand & Power Tools
- Basic Rigging
- Math for Electricians Part I
- Introduction to Blueprint
- Electrical Level 1
- Hand Bending of Conduit
- Math for Electricians Part II
2nd Year
- Alternating Current
- Motors: Theory & Application
- Grounding
- Boxes & Fittings
- Electric & Hydraulic Conduit Bending
- Conductor Installations
- Installation of Electrical Services
- Cable Tray Installation
- Circuit Breakers & Fuses
- Contractors & Relays
- Electric Lighting
3rd Year
- Load Calc – Branch Circuits
- Conductors Selections and Calculations
- Over-current Protection
- Raceways, Box, Fittings & Fill Requirements
- Distribution Equipment & System Transformers
- Motors & Motor Controls
- Hazardous Locations
- Lamps Ballasts & Components
4th Year
- Load Calculations and Branch Feeder Circuits
- Transformers & Standby Systems
- Practical Applications of Lighting
- Basic Electronics Theory
- Fire Alarm Systems
- Advance Controls
- Motor Maintenance
- HVAC Controls, Heat Tracing & Freeze Protection
- High Voltage Splices & Terminations
The ABA Education Trust Fund apprenticeship program is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.
