College of the Redwoods
Electrician Trainee Certificate of Achievement
Criteria A. Appropriateness to Mission
1. Statement of Program Goals and Objectives
The proposed Electrician Trainee certificate supports the mission of the CCC by advancing the
state’s interest in developing a skilled workforce and an educated citizenry, and by forging
partnerships with the local business community while ensuring accountability and serving as
conscientious stewards of the public trust.
The goal of the Electrician Trainee certificate is to offer a career-focused education in the high
market demand technical fields of electrical construction and maintenance. Students completing
the program will be prepared for entry level work in the industry and preparation for state
certification. Additionally, the program will provide incumbent worker training needed for skill
upgrade and certification requirements. Students completing the certificate can expect to acquire
competencies as follows:
•
•
General Education outcomes:
- The ability to think, read, and communicate critically.
- An Awareness of the relationship of humanity to its scientific, ethical, cultural, historical,
political, and technical environment.
- An understanding of the connections and relationships between and among academic
disciplines
- Competency in locating, evaluating, and using information resources
- The ability to solve problems through research, analysis, and communication.
ET program level outcomes:
- Prepared to pass state of California certification examinations
- Attain general electrical construction, maintenance and control knowledge
- An understanding of maintenance and repair procedures of basic electrical systems
- The ability to perform basic code and trade standard duties to support the proper
operation of electrical systems.
- An awareness of State and Federal regulations that drive the electrical industry, and the
role of the electrician in protecting public safety and property from the hazards of
electricity.
The certificate will prepare students for the following occupations:
DOT Codes and Definition (Dictionary of Occupational Titles)
Dictionary Of Occupational Titles
82 ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLING, INSTALLING, AND REPAIRING OCCUPATIONS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
820 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF GENERATORS,
MOTORS, ACCESSORIES, AND RELATED POWERPLANT EQUIPMENT
821 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF TRANSMISSION
AND DISTRIBUTION LINES AND CIRCUITS
822 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF WIRE
COMMUNICATION,DETECTION AND SIGNALING EQUIPMENT
823 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND SIGNALING EQUIPMENT
824 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF LIGHTING
EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING WIRING, N.E.C.
825 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF
TRANSPORTATION AND MATERIAL-HANDLING EQUIPMENT, N.E.C.
826 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF INDUSTRIAL
APPARATUS,N.E.C.
827 OCCUPATIONS IN ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF LARGE
HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND SIMILAR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
EQUIPMENT
828 OCCUPATIONS IN FABRICATION, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR OF ELECTRICAL
AND ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS, N.E.C.
829 OCCUPATIONS IN INSTALLATION AND REPAIR OF ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS,
N.E.C.
SOC code (Standard Occupational Classification)
•
47-2110 Electricians
•
47-2111 Electricians
2. Catalog Description
The Electrician Trainee Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide students with educational
opportunities relating to careers in electrical construction and maintenance. Electricians build, operate
and maintain residential, commercial and industrial electrical systems. Students in this program learn
the basic principles and practices of electrical construction and maintenance. This program is designed
for students interested in a career working as a construction or maintenance electrician, wiring buildings
to the standards of national, state and local codes serving the public safety from the hazards of
electricity.
3. Program Requirements
Electrician Trainee Certificate of Achievement
REQUIRED COURSES:
CT 78A
Residential wiring 1
CT 78B
Residential wiring 2
CT 78C
Residential wiring 3
CT 78D
Residential wiring 4
CT 72
Electrical Codes
CT 32
Photovoltaics
CET 10
Survey of electronics
CET 10 lab Electronics lab
CT 25
OSHA 30
DT 23
Engineering Design Graphics
HE 7
First Aid/CPR/AED
Math 120 Intermediate Algebra
UNITS
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
1
2
3
2
4
TOTAL
26
4. Background and Rationale
In 2008 the Economic Development Division of Humboldt County (EDDHC) conducted a hearing
inviting local employers to address the shortage of qualified workers and to discuss new job
creation. The hearing prompted the EDDHC to partner with the College of the Redwoods to pursue
a grant through the Department of Labor (DOL). The grant was intended to be used to assist the
College in funding new career technical education (CTE) programs used to assist local displaced
workers in retraining for the job market.
In addition, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards’ website(www.das.ca.gov) states, “ existing law
requires that persons performing work as electrician under a C-10 licensed contractor be certified
pursuant to certification standards established by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
“Electricians” is defined as all persons who engage in the connection of electrical devices for electrical
contractors licensed pursuant to Section 7058 of the Business and Profession Code, specifically,
contractors classified as electrical contractors in the Contractors State License Board Rules and
Regulations [Labor Code § 3099 (c)]”.
CR used DOL grant funding to work with Barry Noonan of the CCCCO and John Hauck of Long Beach
City College to develop a “crosswalk” showing how CR’s existing courses meet the DAS standards.
The crosswalk was patterned after LBCC’s electrical curriculum. Following a site visit by a DAS
representative, the CR curriculum was approved and CR is now recognized as a DAS Electrician
Trainee program. College of the Redwoods is one of only 68 such recognized programs in California
and the only one on the North Coast.
Students who are participating in the Electrician Training program sponsored by DAS may now use
the approved CR courses to progress through their training. However, because the collection of
courses is not included in an approved certificate, students are not eligible for financial aid through
the college. With the approval of the ET certificate, students may declare they are part of an
approved program at CR.
CR has had a residential wiring program offering classroom and hands-on instruction for over 45
years. Working within the Construction Technology Department and with the Drafting Technology
Department on the student designed and built house each year offers a unique level of practical
experience for our students. Each year students go out into the workforce filling the need for
electricians in our area, many have become Electrical Contractors and employers themselves. CR
has offered a Certificate of Completion since 1965 in Residential Wiring and now has the need to
offer an Electrician Trainee Certificate of Achievement to allow students to meet the new DAS
requirements and qualify for employment.
CRITERIA B. NEED
5. Enrollment and completer projections.
Enrollment estimates are based on past and recent course enrollments. Recent enrollment statistics are
taken from the CR Institutional Research website. Based on recent enrollment and success rates it is
expected future Electrician Trainee Certificate of Achievement rates will closely mimic those of past
Certificate of Completion of residential wiring completers.
’06-’07 ’07-’08 ’08-’09 ’09-’10 ’10-‘11
CT.CC.Residential Wiring 2
4
1
3
1
Of the existing and previous attendees, many are existing construction and maintenance professionals
utilizing the Electrician Trainee courses to increase their professional knowledge and are not necessarily
attempting to attain a certificate. Like any program, there are a number of students that drop out for
various reasons. The following data show the consistent success rates of CR students in electrical
courses.
CT78A
’06-’07
’07-’08
’08-’09
’09-’10
’10-’11
Successful
25
28
33
35
61
Unsuccessful
11
16
14
12
14
CT78B
’06-’07
’07-’08
’08-’09
’09-’10
’10-’11
Successful
14
24
25
22
27
Unsuccessful
4
4
3
3
3
CT78C
’06-’07
’07-’08
’08-’09
’09-’10
’10-’11
Successful
7
11
19
15
13
Unsuccessful
1
4
2
3
CT78D
’09-’10
’10-’11
Successful Unsuccessful
13
9
2
CT72
’06-’07
’07-’08
’08-’09
’09-’10
’10-’11
Successful
21
28
29
23
21
Unsuccessful
7
5
8
11
5
CT32
’07-’08
’08-’09
’09-’10
’10-’11
Successful
20
22
45
23
Unsuccessful
7
3
2
11
6. Place of Program in Curriculum/Similar Programs
The Electrician Trainee Program is housed in the Business and Technology Division at College of the
Redwoods. This program helps to fill both the local and regional need for electrical technical education
and training as identified by the County of Humboldt and required by the DAS. Due to an aging
workforce many jobs will be created due to attrition, in addition the EDD website
www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov tells us that “Skilled Electricians will be needed to install and maintain
electrical devices and wiring in homes, factories, offices, and other structures. With the increased focus
on environmentally sustainable building and remodeling practices, it is expected that there may be
increased opportunities for Electricians. However, during economic downturns, the number of job
openings for Electricians declines. Activity for Electricians depends on many factors that vary with the
economy, such as interest rates, government spending, and business investment.
In California, the number of Electricians is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all
occupations. Jobs for Electricians are expected to increase by 0.8 percent, or 500 jobs between 2008 and
2018.” However, our local EDD office shows projections of 102 annual electrical related jobs through
2018 in Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino Counties.
The Electrician Trainee Certificate of Achievement will add a new dimension to the college’s technical
offerings and helps to satisfy the local, regional, and statewide need for technical education in this field.
There currently are no other similar Certificates of Achievement being offered at College of the
Redwoods that can fill the current state requirements for electricians. Indeed, there are no such
Certificates of Achievement being offered anywhere else on the Northcoast. Many working electrician
trainees in our area have been forced to travel to the Sacramento, Santa Rosa or Bay area to meet state
laws.
The curriculum includes a few courses that are utilized from other programs such as math, construction,
engineering, drafting, industrial technology, and health. The electrical and solar courses currently share
classroom and lab space effectively with other technical programs. Lab space and classrooms are
currently being shared with the Nursing, Agriculture, Diesel and other Construction programs.
Students can move from the Electrician Trainee courses into engineering, environmental science and
“green” technology fields. These educational transitions build on knowledge from the Electrician Trainee
program and encourage students toward 4-year university degrees such as an Environmental Science
degree or the Environmental Resources Engineering program at neighboring Humboldt State University.
The Electrician Trainee program should gain a new enrollment market. It is anticipated that over time
local Trainees now going out of the area will turn to CR to meet their needs. The influx of new and
returning students will be sustained and potentially increased if students have the ability to meet the
DAS requirements. This proposed program is unrelated to any existing plans to scale back or terminate
any other technical or academic program.
7. Similar Programs at other Colleges in Service Areas
There are no similar programs currently offered in the North Coast or within commuting distance of the
College of the Redwoods service area.
8. Labor Market Information & Analysis (CTE only)
Example local employment projections over next 5 years from surveys:
McKeever Energy & Electric
Scurfield Solar
Northcoast Lighting & Electric
Spencer Electric
Trinidad Electric
3 or more
3 or more
2
2
2
There are approximately 30 electrical contractors in the Humboldt Co. and many more who are located
in Del Norte and Mendocino Counties. Many of these employees have electricians currently hired that
are in need of this training and required certification. Those currently employed numbers would not be
reflected in the LMI data but do add significantly to the demand for this program.
The following information is derived from the California Employment Development Department:
64 TOTAL HUMBOLDT & DEL NORTE PROJECTED ANNUAL AVERAGE JOB OPENINGS
FOR ELECTRICAL RELATED OCCUPATIONS THROUGH 2018. ALMOST 70 PERCENT
ARE REPLACEMENT JOBS FOR WORKERS AGING OUT/LEAVING THE WORK FORCE.
THIS IS A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE--DOES NOT INCLUDE A NUMBER OF SMALLER RELATED
OCCUPATIONS (LESS THAN 30 JOBS) NOT INCLUDED IN LMID REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL
PROJECTIONS.
**102 ANNUAL AVERAGE JOB OPENINGS WITH MENDOCINO INCLUDED IN THE MIX.
This data is reproduced from http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov . This information can serve as a
description of the type of work, wages, and job availability that students of this program can expect.
The occupational skill in electrical technology is highly portable and geographically transferable.
California Electrician Trainee requirements are state specific, but the electrical skills and knowledge
gained can be used to acquire the credentials of another state. Statewide and nationwide mobility is
common in the industry, and this industry allows completers a range in flexibility in geographical
locations preferred by the completer rather than having to move where a factory or particular company
is located. The National Electric Code (NEC) insures a uniformity of safe wiring from state to state.
Job description for: Electrician
Electricians
(SOC Code : 47-2111)
in California
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work
is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom
systems, or electrical control systems. Exclude "Security and Fire Alarm Systems
Installers" (49-2098).
Electricians
(SOC Code : 47-2111)
North Coast Region
[Top
]
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that
work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights,
intercom systems, or electrical control systems. Exclude "Security and Fire Alarm
Systems Installers" (49-2098).
Del Norte County is part of the North Coast Region, which includes Del Norte,
Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino counties.
Occupational Wages
[Top]
Area
Year
Period
North Coast Region
2012
1st Qtr
Hourly by Percentile
25th
Median
Hourly Mean
$35.18
$21.89
$27.08
75th
$36.72
Data for Humboldt County are not available. Data for North Coast Region has been substituted.
View Wages for All Areas About Wages
Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand")
Area
Estimated Year-Projected
Employment
Year
EstimatedProjected
North Coast
Region
2008 - 2018
180
Employment
Change
Number Percent
190
10
5.6
[Top]
Annual Avg
Openings
5
Data for Humboldt County are not available. Data for North Coast Region has been substituted.
Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View
Employers List)
Industry Title
Building Equipment Contractors
[Top]
Percent of Total
Number of Employers in
Employment for Occupation in State
Humboldt County
of California
116
6.5%
Electronic Instrument Manufacturing
5
6.3%
Wired Telecommunications Carriers
2
5.5%
Electric Goods Merchant
Wholesalers
27
4.8%
Machinery & Supply Merchant
Wholesalers
37
4.2%
Electronic Equipment
Repair/Maintenance
21
3.5%
Commercial Machinery
Repair/Maintenance
16
1.9%
103
1.8%
Architectural and Engineering
Services
Cable and Other Subscription
Programming
Other Telecommunications
Other General Purpose Machinery
Mfg
Employment Services
4
1.7%
10
1.7%
3
1.6%
10
1.3%
Net Job Market
•
Given the above data, the electrician job
market should remain steady with many
replacements needed for the attrition
caused by an aging workforce in the
“Trades”(1580 avg. annual job openings) .
Earning Potential
•
Wages range from apprx. $16.00/hr entrylevel to apprx. $45.00/hr union or
prevailing wage with full benefits for public
works projects
Industry trends show a steady increase in
overall salary and compensation
•
Program Credibility/Career Potential
•
•
•
•
•
Advanced degrees are not needed in this
occupation
This program is taught by industry
professionals that work or have worked in
the industry
Students are encouraged to study trade
journals and periodicals to keep current in
a technology sector that is rapidly
changing.
This program is devised to provide a solid
background of basic electrical trade,
electronics, drafting, safety and math as
applied directly to the role of these
principles in industry
The rigor of the program ensures that
completers will have a superior knowledge
of the industry subject matter that will
allow them to be very competitive with
non-completers in the industry
•
•
Emerging Occupations
•
•
•
Competitive Fields
Career Technical Education Skills
•
•
•
•
Small Business or Cottage Industries
•
This program will allow completers from
other careers to utilize existing skill sets to
complement their new skills learned in the
program
Existing professionals in the electrical field
will be able to use this program to upgrade
their existing skills and accelerate their
careers
The area of process automation or
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) systems manipulation and testing,
motor controls, networks, security and fire
alarm systems, energy use evaluation,
home and business automation and solar
and other “green” technologies are just
some of the areas providing growth in this
program area. These areas along with
others are skills emerging in this industry
that will likely be required of employees in
the future.
The DAS requires that all electricians
employed by C-10 electrical contractors
must be in approved apprentice or
Electrician Trainee programs if they do not
have the necessary experience and have
not passed state certification tests.
Computer skills and data interpretation are
important to the industry.
N/A
This program is designed for students with
no previous skills or background in the
electrical industry that qualifies students,
upon completion to enter the work force.
This program is designed to enhance skills
for students that currently work in the
electrical industry
This program is designed for students that
are employed in other or related industries
that are looking to change careers, and
utilizes existing skill sets as a foundation.
Most of the employers of students from
this program are and will be small
businesses. Many past students have
become small business owners and
employers themselves, even to the extent
that some former students now employee
current students.
9. Employer Survey (CTE only)
An industry survey of local industry representatives was conducted. The survey was conducted when the
college began to pursue Chancellor’s Office approval of the program. Since the nature of the electrical
industry is primarily limited to local municipalities and Counties, an industry advisory committee was
formed as a representative body of Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino counties comprising the
college’s local service area.
The advisory committee was surveyed in the areas of program needs, employment, and salary
expectations. The industry representatives validated the local need for an Electrician Trainee program
and concluded that the proposed program will result in an adequate labor force with viable employment
opportunities locally and statewide. The representative survey data illustrate the difficulty local
electrical contractors are having with meeting state laws without a local Electrician Trainee program.
10. Explanation of Employer Relationship (CTE only)
The College of the Redwoods Electrician Trainee program has had an excellent professional relationship
with the community. Besides the part time faculty members who work in the local industry, there has
been willing participation from the advisory committee, County Office of Economic Development, the
local Workforce Development Board, and the Employment Development Department. The advisory
committee members have been effective in helping shape the program and establishing the course and
program outcomes.
11. List of members of Advisory Committee.
The advisory committee members were selected to represent a sample of the local electrical contractors
that would hire prospective graduates of the program. The committee members have practical
knowledge in the field of electrical technology and bring their area of expertise to the committee.
Industry Representation
Humboldt Builders Exchange Electrical Contractor members:
Ambrosini & Sons Electric Inc. 442-1170
An Electrician Inc. 834-2796, 834-6596
Colburn Electric 445-8474
Cooke Electric 839-9304
Hettinger Electric 530-347-5180
Humboldt Bay Instrument and Electric 530-629-1162
Kneaper Electric 445-5465
McKeever Energy and Electric, Inc. 822-0100
Northcoast Lighting and Electric, Inc. 269-0724
Parker Electric 443-1651
R and R Electric 822-9555
Redwood Electrical Services 444-1374
Smith Electric Construction 443-5818
Spencer Electric 496-2996
T I Smith Electric 407-6640
The Electrician, Inc. 530-629-4240
Trinidad Electric, Inc. 826-1407, 677-3381
CR Staff
Paul Kinsey, Professor, construction Technology
Ted Stodder, Professor, Construction Technology
Bill Hole, Professor, Construction Technology
Jeff Cummings, Dean, Business and Technology
Mike Peterson, Professor, Manufacturing Technology
Roxanne Metz, Director of Special Projects
Steve Brown, Professor, Engineering and Drafting
Ben Scurfield, Associate Faculty, Construction Technology
12. Recommendations of Advisory Committee
The advisory committee thoroughly reviewed the proposed content and scope of the program. Course
objectives and content were discussed to ensure that students receive the adequate training/instruction
to meet industry needs. See minutes of key meetings.
CRITERIA C. CURRICULUM STANDARDS
13. Display of Proposed Sequence
Students will be able to complete the Electrician Certificate of Achievement in two years by taking the
following suggested sequence of courses:
Fall Semester
CT78A (2)
CT25 (2)
DT23 (3)
Spring Semester
CT78B (2)
CT72 (2)
CT32 (1)
Fall Semester
CT78C (2)
CET10 (3)
HE7 (2)
Spring Semester
CT78D (2)
CET10 lab(1)
Math 120 (4)
TOTAL: 26 units
Criteria D. Adequate Resources
15. Library and/ or Learning Resources Plan
The Learning Resources Center (library) will have copies as they become available of all the books that
are used to teach the different courses for the programs. Additionally, local professionals have agreed
to donate trade journals to the library. These books and journals serve as a reference to students. The
Learning Resources center also has extensive access to online databases for use by students.
16. Facilities and Equipment Plan
There are no costs to the general fund expected for any new facilities or equipment for this program.
Currently the Residential Wiring courses are being conducted in several different buildings that serve as
classrooms and lab facilities. These facilities are shared with other programs and have been for years
thereby not causing any scheduling issues with other programs. They are adequately equipped with
video and power equipment to properly train students with hands on projects as recommended by the
advisory committee.
The DOL grant has purchased laboratory equipment for CT32 photovoltaics that is currently being
housed in the diesel lab. Additionally the student designed and constructed house serves as a real world
project, requiring proper completion to meet Building Inspector and PG&E specifications and for sale as
a spec home.
17. Financial Support Plan
The Electrician Trainee program has had financial support from a DOL grant – funding for continuing
costs, instruction, and consulting services was covered by the grant. In the future, district and possibly
CTEA funds will be used to support the program in the same way as other CTE programs at the college.
Additional grant funds may be sought after the DOL grant becomes exhausted.
For the foreseeable future, there will be no costs to the general fund above the ordinary cost of
instruction that is recovered through apportionment. Additionally, all of the courses needed to
complete the proposed Certificate of Achievement already exist in the college catalog, showing no initial
cost and to the College.
There are no special equipment or facilities needs that will require assistance from the general fund. All
of the courses exist in the college curriculum, most for quite some time.
18. Faculty Qualifications and Availability
The college upholds the minimum faculty qualifications under Title 5 and requires a minimum of an AS
Degree with six years of experience or a BS/BA with two years of relevant experience. Given the
specialized nature of the industry a limited, but adequate, supply of professionals meets the
qualifications to teach as adjunct faculty.
The electrical courses have been supported solely by a pool of associate faculty. The existing
instructional load if combined with Solar could support a full time faculty position (in fact, it did so in
’10-’11, a position funded by the DOL grant), but due to unmet faculty needs throughout the district and
diminishing budgets, the college is not likely to hire a full-time faculty member at this time. As the
program matures, it will continue to adapt to meet both industry and student needs. As deemed
necessary in the future, the college may be in the position to fund a full-time faculty position.
Criteria E. Compliance
19. Based on model curriculum (if applicable)
Approval by DAS was contingent upon matching”crosswalk” for LBCC
20. Licensing or Accreditation Standards
College of the Redwoods is education provider #168 on the DAS website list of approved Electrician
Trainee programs.
21. Students Selection and Fees
Fall/Spring/Winter/Summer
Enrollment Fees* $36.00 per unit
Foreign and Non-Resident Tuition* $229.00 per unit
Student Health Fee $12.00 per Term
Annual Parking Fee $50.00
*Fees are subject to change without advance notice by the State of California. No restriction for enrollment in courses.