Join the growing Sound and Communications Industry

What is Sound and Communications
Getting Started
Income Potential?
Needed Skills
 Graduation Requirements
Field Experience
How to Apply

As the communications technology industry continues on a path of rapid growth and fast paced change, the IBEW is succeeding in its strategy to pursue this huge market and meet the industry’s enormous demand for skilled high-tech workers. Growth in the Sound and Communications market in Northern California is happening at a rate of unparalleled proportions. In Northern California alone, the Sound and Communications industry has increased 900 percent in five years, growing from $16.5 million in 1994 to $225 million 2000. At its present rate of growth, the market will nearly reach $1 billion by 2003.

Some 2,200 IBEW Sound and Communications members now work in Northern California. Not too many years ago, there were only 300 IBEW Sound and Communications workers in Northern California. The number of NECA contractors has also increased from 74 contractors in 1994 to over 130 today. Man-hours in Northern California have reached an all time high with 43.5 million hours logged in 2001.

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 has been the fastest growing category in the Sound and Communications 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, and closed circuit television.
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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.
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What Skills Do You Need?

Here are the skills you need to start out as an apprentice Sound and Communication Systems Installer:

  • You must have a high school diploma or GED to become an apprentice.
  • Math and science skills are important.
  • You must pass the Aptitude Test, an exam that focuses on math and reading comprehension.
  • You must be self-motivated, have a willingness to learn, be a team player, and be goal oriented.
  • You must have good mechanical aptitude and good time management skills.
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What Are the Graduation Requirements?

In order for apprentices to graduate from the program you must complete:

  • Three years of related classroom training, consisting of 150 contact hours per year, for a total of 450 hours of related technical training.
  • Three years of on-the-job training (6,000 hours), under the direction and supervision of qualified installers and technicians. Concurrent with classroom training.

This program exceeds the certification requirements of the State of California, and is approved and registered by the United State Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT).
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Do You Have Prior Experience in the Field?

Previous experience and training may be taken into consideration at time of application.
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How Do You Apply?

Applications will be taken on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (12 times per year) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the following locations::

NorCal Main Office
911 Bern Court, Suite 100
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 453-3101

NorCal Branch Office
3033 Alvarado Street
San Leandro, CA
(510) 351-5282 ext. 21

San Francisco Electrical Training Facility
4056 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 587-2500

Fresno Area Electrical Training Center
5420 East Hedges Avenue
Fresno, CA 93727
(559) 251-5174

Solano – Napa Electrical JATC
720-A Technology Way
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 251-0315

Tri-County JATC
10300 Merritt Street
Castroville, CA 95012
(831) 633-3063

IBEW Local 302
1875 Arnold Drive
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 228-2302

Santa Clara County JATC
908 Bern Court
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 453-1022

IBEW Local 340
2840 El Centro Road, Suite 115
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 927-4239

Santa Rosa Electrical Training Center
1700 Corby Avenue, Suite F
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(707) 523-3837

IBEW Local 595
6250 Village Parkway
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 556-0595

San Joaquin & Calaveras Counties JATC
1531 El Pinal Drive
Stockton, CA 95205
(209) 462-0751

San Mateo JATC
625 Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 591-5217

* Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.

* List of eligible applicants will expire in 24 months following adoption, in compliance with “California Plan”.

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