Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA) | Evaluated Learning Experience
Low Voltage Apprenticeship Program
3 years, includes 480 hours of classroom instruction, 133 lab hours, and 4,800 hours of supervised field experience.
June 2021 - Present.
Low Voltage Fundamentals: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: recall and apply construction safety codes and standards to minimize accidents and properly aid a person injured in a work environment; use electrical theory and engineering calculations to predict and explain changes in circuit variables with different types of circuits; demonstrate proficiency in recalling procedures for navigating the National Electric Code, correctly differentiating between codes and standards, and identifying the roles of various regulatory organizations; demonstrate the ability to apply networking theory and knowledge of hardware to create a closed network; demonstrate the ability to apply telephone theory and knowledge of system components to install a commercial building telephone system; and recall the sections, common symbols, and types of drawings to determine material types and quantities in a given project. Structured Cabling Systems: students will be able to: explain theoretical concepts governing signal theory and accurately identify and install all components to a structured cabling system using copper, optical fiber, and wireless transmission media; successfully test installation of datacom systems via testing equipment (e.g. OTDR, TDR, wire map tester, pass/fail test, etc.) and recall processes for commissioning a system; recall and apply practices for grounding and bonding; and demonstrate safety procedures and proper use of aerial work platform equipment. Fire Alarm Systems: students will be able to: read, interpret, and examine a complete set of electronic construction drawings, in combination with other construction documents (i.e., specifications, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and job logs), ensuring compliance with the National Electrical Code and other relevant regulating agencies; perform a code/standard-compliant installation for both conventional and addressable fire alarm systems, including troubleshooting and programming; and recall and apply common electrical terms, units, and formulas of electronics theory to the practical integration of electronic sensors and relays, including mechanical and non-mechanical devices, in various control circuit applications. Specialty Systems: students will be able to: identify and install the components of various specialty systems, including paging and mass notification, intrusion, access control, CCTV, Sound Reinforcement, and A/V systems; design and create an estimate for specialty system installations using electronic construction and project management software; and recall and apply relevant theory and regulations related to each specialty system. Comprehensive Low Voltage Application: students will be able to: develop personal management skills and apply them effectively to mock workplace scenarios; develop leadership skills and apply them to hypothetical workplace scenarios; recall tools and methodologies used by construction foremen and demonstrate their effective execution; and demonstrate the execution of a complete project, including layout, estimating, and installation for several Low Voltage systems through rigorous end-of-program performance-based assessments.
Instruction is offered via classroom and includes supplemental readings, quizzes, homework, lab required interaction with the instructor, and final competency exams. Major topics include (classroom): Safety; DC and AC Theory; Codes and Standards; Network Systems and Computer Literacy; Telephone Systems; Construction Drawings; Structured Cabling; Aerial Work Platforms; Fire Alarm Systems; Low Voltage Code; Specialty Systems; Personal Development; Leadership Skills; Foremanship; and Comprehensive System Installation; (supervised field experience): 4,800 hours of supervised field experience.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 30 semester hours distributed as follows: 18 semester hours in Building Electrical Systems; 6 semester hours in Construction or Personnel Management; and 6 semester hours in Construction, Construction Internship, or Co-op experience in Construction (6/21). NOTE: Credit shall only be awarded upon full completion of the apprenticeship program.