Why the Sound and Communications Industry?

The Sound and Communications Industry in Northern California is enjoying rapid growth. Now is the time to join. As an apprentice, you can earn while you learn. Being in the Sound and Communication Industry is a highly rewarding career. Besides supplying an excellent livelihood, the Sound and Communications industry provides its members with a community of support and camaraderie as well as offering fulfilling challenges and opportunities. Once you complete the Sound and Communications apprenticeship program you can start at approximately $25.00 an hour as an installer. Previous experience and training may be taken into consideration at time of application. Back to top.

What is the Sound and Communications Industry?

One of the primary components of the Sound and Communications Industry (also called the low voltage industry) is voice data video. Voice data video is the fastest growing category in the Sound and Communications field, and indeed, in the entire electrical field. Other areas of the Sound and Communications Industry include:

• Audio/Video Systems
• Security and Fire/Life/Safety Systems
• Fiber networks, including LAN and WAN
• Building Automation Controls
• Wireless Communication Systems
• Television Distribution Systems
• Closed circuit television

Graduates of the Northern California Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training program have many distinct careers paths to choose from, including:

• Sound and Communications Installer
• Sound and Communications Technician
• Sound and Communications Senior Technician
• Foreman
• General Foreman
• Superintendent
• Estimators
• Project Manager
• Electrical Inspector
• Owner/Contractor
• Purchasing Agent
• Licensed Specialty Systems Contractor
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How Do You Get Started in This Industry?

If you like being among the first to ride the changing waves of technological knowledge, then this may be the field for you. If you’re over 18, you may be eligible to join the IBEW/NECA apprenticeship program and learn while you earn. As an apprentice, you’ll receive three years of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. In addition to being paid while learning, the apprentice program gives you complete medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as a guaranteed pension. When you graduate, you’ll be an experienced Sound and Communications worker with a solid, secure future.
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What Will Your Income Be?

The average annual income of graduates of the Sound and Communication Apprenticeship program is approximately $50,000 a year, with many graduates earning in excess of $75,000 a year. Graduates are currently earning approximately $25.00 an hour. Benefits include complete medical, dental, and vision, as well as a guaranteed pension.

Your expertise in the Sound and Communications industry is in high demand once you complete the apprenticeship program and become an Installer/Technician.
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What Does An Installer/Technician Do?

There are many systems, which utilize low voltage video, voice, or data signals. The Installer/Technician installs the network of low voltage cabling that is used for voice/data/video or other low voltage signaling. The Installer/Technician installs voice and data outlets at workstations. In addition they install punch down blocks and cross connects in telephone rooms. These may be wall mounted or rack mounted and must be grouped and identified according to specific installation standards. The NJATC trains to TIA/EIA standards. The NJATC also partners with the major manufacturers in the video, voice and data industry to assure training in the latest technologies. Some of the tasks that an Installer or Technician might do include:

• Plan and Initiate Projects
  
  
• Install Underground Voice or Data Circuit Feeders to Entrance Facilities
  
  
• Provide or Connect to the Grounding Electrode System
  
  
• Install Pathways and Spaces for Installation of Low Voltage Wiring
  
  
• Install, Terminate and Test Wire and Cables, both Copper and Fiber-Optic
  
  
• Install, Test, Certify and Troubleshoot Local Area Network (LAN) Cabling Systems
  
  
• Lay Out, Install and Verify Operation of Security and Access Control Systems
  
  
• Install Communications and Sound Distribution Systems
  
  
• Provide Testing, Analysis and Repair of Video, Voice and Data Systems, including Electronic Devices such as Gateways, Routers, Hubs, NIC Cards, Telephone Switches, etc.
  
  
• Prefabricate Systems, such as Telecommunications Racks, for Field Inspection
  
  
• Work on other systems, such as Communications, Entertainment, Environmental, Life Safety, Energy Management and Custom Lighting
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