Apprenticeship Classes Begin in St. Louis

With more than 80 electrical contractors, the Independent Electrical Contractors of St. Louis apprenticeship classes began this week. We are ecstatic to welcome four classes of first year students. First year students were required to pass a math exam consisting of computation, algebra, geometry, measurement, and trigonometry. The IEC expects to graduate 25 apprentices to journeymen at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year.

An increase in applicants

With more than 300 applications received for the electrical apprenticeship and low voltage apprenticeship the IEC continues to expand the workforce. This is a 25% gain compared to 2020. This gain can be attributed to the St. Louis area growth, marketing strategies implemented by the IEC team, and rising interest in technical training. As a result of the implementation of statewide electrical licensing, interest in receiving proper electrical training has increased.

New this year

The IEC of St. Louis is proud to offer a four year low-voltage apprenticeship class starting this year in addition to the electrical apprenticeship. The low voltage classes are taught by Shane Tomson from Birkel Electric. Low voltage apprentices will receive training in basic telephone/cable termination, audio visual systems, public address systems, structured wiring systems, fire alarms, and specialized control systems.

The IEC provides superior workforce training and is registered with the U.S Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship program is recommended by the American Council of Education, therefore IEC graduates receive up to 42 college credits hours upon completion of the program. The St. Louis program is known for it’s academic rigor and superior hands-on training by the industry’s best electrical journeymen.

Instructors

Joining the instructional team is Al Watson of Bruce’s Electric, located in St. Charles, MO. Watson will be teaching 1st year students. Meanwhile, the IEC of St. Louis is excited to announce that instructor Rob Ryan will be joining the IEC staff full time by September 2021. Ryan will be offering electrical apprenticeship day classes and continuing education classes, to name a few. He joins us from Birkel Electric, located in Chesterfield, MO.

• If you are interested in information on how you can begin your electrical career, visit www.iecstl.com/apprenticeship for more information.
• In need of safety glasses like the ones the apprentices received? Call the IEC office.

Written by Kelly Hewitt

Published August 5, 2021