NECA Project Management Fundamentals (Weeks 1-26)

• Project Management Fundamentals: Role of the electrical project manager, preplanning, scheduling, and safety.
• Operational Management: Material, tool, crew management, project controls, and safety.
• Documentation & Communication: Job logs, communication strategies, contract management, and submittal tracking.
• Financial & Quality Management: Job cost control, cash flow, quality assurance, and change orders.
• Advanced Techniques: BIM, prefabrication, conflict management, client relations, and claims.
• Project Closeout & Union Relations: Project closeout and union management.

PMI CAPM Curriculum (Weeks 26-50)

• Essentials: Leadership, risk management, and project execution.
• Planning & Execution: Scheduling, budgeting, and team management.
• Quality & Risk Management: Risk mitigation and quality control.
• Changes & Closure: Managing project changes and closure lessons.

etA Industry Knowledge (Weeks 1-30)

• Job Information: Safety, conductor basics, and installation techniques.
• NEC: Overview of the 2023 NEC and electrical planning.
• Construction Drawings: Blueprint reading and interpretation.

Data Skills Curriculum (Weeks 27-46)

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Spreadsheet functionalities for data analysis and visualization.
• Business Metrics & Forecasting: Metrics analysis and Excel modeling for planning.

Business Skills Curriculum (Weeks 1-52)

• Communication & Time Management: Team collaboration, public speaking, and listening.
• Professional Writing & Presentation: Writing professional documents and delivering presentations.
• Leadership Skills: Personal productivity and leadership development.

Takeoff, Estimating & Document Management (Weeks 9-34)

• Bluebeam Revu: Document management and measurement using Revu.
• NECA Estimating Bootcamp: Estimating wiring, equipment, and costs.

• Eagerness to Learn: Apprentices should demonstrate a strong desire to develop new skills and knowledge, particularly in project management.
• Open-Mindedness: While they may start with limited experience in project management or technical areas, apprentices should be open to learning and applying new skills in practical situations.
• Interest in the Electrical Field: Even if they have not yet mastered technical skills like NEC navigation or construction drawing interpretation, apprentices should possess a foundational interest in the electrical field.
• Commitment to Safety: Apprentices should have an initial appreciation for safety, which will be emphasized and reinforced throughout the program.
• Problem-Solving Potential: A readiness to tackle challenges is essential. While formal problem-solving skills will be taught, the willingness to engage in problem-solving early on is key.
• Communication Development: Apprentices may not be expert communicators at the start, but they should show a willingness to improve their communication skills over time.
• Team Player Attitude: A collaborative mindset is essential, as project success depends on teamwork. Apprentices will have opportunities to reinforce this mindset through leadership training.
• Basic Organizational Skills: Although advanced scheduling and budgeting skills will be learned in the program, apprentices should demonstrate basic organizational abilities to handle initial tasks and time commitments.

Apprentices are not expected to start with advanced skills. Instead, they are selected for their potential to grow and develop as they progress through the apprenticeship program.

• Extensive Practical Experience: Mentors should have substantial hands-on experience in electrical contracting to provide apprentices with real-world insights and guidance.
• Clear Communication: They must be able to clearly explain tasks, expectations, and feedback, ensuring apprentices understand their responsibilities.
• Problem-Solving Expertise: Mentors should excel at identifying and addressing on-site issues, teaching apprentices how to troubleshoot and resolve challenges.
• Lead by Example: A mentor should model a strong work ethic, adherence to safety protocols, and professionalism, setting a standard for apprentices to follow.
• Time Management and Efficiency: Effective mentors help apprentices prioritize tasks, manage their time well, and ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget.
• Patience and Teaching Ability: While they are not formal educators, mentors should have the patience to guide apprentices through the learning process and help them adjust to the job’s demands.
• Accountability and Support: Mentors should hold apprentices accountable for their work while providing the necessary support to help them succeed and progress through the program.

These traits emphasize on-the-job learning and support, focusing on practical guidance rather than formal training expertise, while fostering a productive apprenticeship experience.

What is the Project Management Apprenticeship program? The Project Management Apprenticeship, delivered by ELECTRI International and American Apprenticeships Work (AAW), is a one-year, non-bargained apprenticeship aimed at addressing the growing need for skilled project management professionals in the electrical industry.

What are the key features of the program?

• Competency-based, on-the-job training
• Online, self-paced technical instruction
• Industry-specific education
• A supportive network to ensure apprentice success

How is the program structured? The program combines on-the-job training with self-paced online technical instruction to provide a comprehensive education in project management, tailored to the electrical industry.

What does the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship program offer? The NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship equips aspiring electrical project managers with the technical skills, leadership abilities, and business acumen necessary to manage large-scale electrical projects. Through a combination of technical instruction, on-the-job learning, and real-world project management scenarios, the program prepares apprentices to tackle the challenges of the electrical construction industry.

How long is the program, and what will apprentices learn? The program lasts 52 weeks and covers a wide range of topics, including project planning, financial management, documentation, safety, and team leadership. Apprentices will develop the skills necessary to lead projects from start to finish efficiently.

What are the key sections of the program? The program is divided into several key sections, each focusing on different aspects of project management:

1. NECA Project Management Fundamentals
2. PMI CAPM Curriculum 
3. etA Industry Knowledge
4. Data Skills Curriculum
5. Business Skills Curriculum
6. Takeoff, Estimating & Document Management

How does the program prepare apprentices for their careers? In addition to technical and project management skills, the program emphasizes business and data skills to equip apprentices for career development in the 21st century. By focusing on leadership, data analysis, and business acumen, apprentices are prepared to grow as industry leaders.

What does it mean to be a US DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?
A US Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a proven, high-quality training model that combines on-the-job learning with related classroom instruction. It is registered with the DOL to ensure that it meets national standards for apprenticeships, which include structured learning, mentorship, and wage progression. Being part of a RAP means that the apprenticeship is recognized across the country, provides apprentices with industry-recognized credentials, and helps employers ensure a well-trained, highly skilled workforce. Additionally, RAPs offer access to federal resources, such as potential tax credits or funding opportunities for both apprentices and employers.

Is an apprentice paid during the apprenticeship?
Yes, apprentices are paid during the entire apprenticeship. In a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), apprentices earn wages from the start, with their pay increasing as they gain skills and experience. The wage progression is designed so that as the apprentice grows in knowledge and capability, their earnings increase accordingly.

As a contractor, how can I find an apprentice?
As a contractor, you can find apprentices by partnering with organizations that manage Registered Apprenticeship Programs or by contacting the U.S. Department of Labor’s apprenticeship office in your area. You can also explore online job boards or industry-specific networks that connect employers with individuals looking for apprenticeships. Posting open positions on your company’s website and reaching out to workforce development programs can also help you find candidates.

As a potential apprentice, how can I find a contractor to hire me?
As a potential apprentice, you can find contractors by reaching out to Registered Apprenticeship Programs or contacting the U.S. Department of Labor for local opportunities. Many contractors post apprenticeship openings on job boards and their company websites. You can also check with industry organizations and workforce development programs for leads on contractors looking to hire apprentices.

Who can enroll in the program? Enrollment is open to NECA contractor companies. To enroll, both an apprentice and a supervisor must be identified. Apprentices should have qualities that make them strong candidates, while supervisors must have attributes that ensure effective guidance.

What is the enrollment process? Enrollment operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of 10-20 apprentices per cohort. Each company may enroll up to two apprentices per cohort.

When do the cohorts start?

• Cohort 3 (Pilot): January 2025 – January 2026
• Cohort 4: February 2025 – February 2026
• Cohort 5: March 2025 – March 2026
• Cohort 6: April 2025 – April 2026

Employer Agreements and Onboarding will be completed 1-2 months before the cohort begins.

What is the cost of the program? The investment is $15,000 per apprentice. For Cohort 3 (Pilot), participants will receive a $2,500 credit thanks to Wesco Cares.

Are there any financial assistance options? ELECTRI and AAW are exploring grant and tax credit opportunities to help reduce program costs. However, contractors should be prepared to assume the full cost if grants are unavailable.

How can I enroll in the program? To enroll, complete the enrollment form.