Frequently Asked Questions

An apprentice is registered with the State of California or the federal Department of Labor and combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Contractors must employ apprentices on state public works at a ratio of one apprentice hour per five journeyperson hours.

An apprentice is indentured in an approved apprenticeship program and sponsored by an employer. A trainee is registered with the state and studies with an approved provider independently. California law requires anyone doing electrical work for a C-10 contractor to be a certified journeyperson, indentured apprentice, or registered electrician trainee.

WECA offers medical, dental, disability, and life insurance to commercial apprentices indentured in a WECA program — and their families. Provider options vary by where you live. Residential and Low Voltage apprentices receive contractor-provided fringe packages.

Yes — log in to see grades, class schedules, textbook lists, and the current Apprentice Handbook.

4,000 hours of work are required to become a VDV or FLS technician — paid hours, logged during your apprenticeship.

If you perform electrical work for a C-10 contractor and you're not a certified journeyperson or indentured apprentice, you must register as an ET and enroll with a state-approved provider like WECA. ETs on public works are paid the journeyman rate.

The GetWired! series of instructor-led, live-webcast courses with onsite lab days is the heart of the program, alongside self-paced online options. Complete the required courses and hours to earn the ET Program Certificate — a valid path to the state certification exam.

Annually, before your registration anniversary — no fee. Submit the state renewal form with current proof of enrollment and a transcript; WECA provides both. Details on the ET program page.

Yes — WECEF periodically awards scholarships to eligible ETs, apprentices, and CE students for books, tools, fees, and tuition.

2,000 hours worked in the industry and 32 hours of relevant continuing education within your three-year cycle, submitted to the DAS before your card expires. All WECA CE courses qualify for General and Residential renewal.

One certified journeyperson may supervise up to two uncertified workers at a time — as long as they consist of one Electrician Trainee and one Apprentice.

Complete a replacement card request form and mail it to the address on the form with the $30 fee. Find it in the Resource Library.

Yes — write to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, Record Section, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 9th floor, San Francisco, CA 94102, including your full name, SSN, occupation, completion date, address, and phone. Recent grads (within 5 years) can also request a replacement certificate.

Three categories: Contractor Member, Industry Partner, and Affiliate Member (by invitation). Dues information is in each application packet — see Join WECA.

Yes — contact WECA for a member access account. We verify company permission before granting access to reports and features.

Members get phone assistance with prevailing and public wage questions — call (877) 444-9322. Also see Member Services for Skilled & Trained Workforce help.

Questions, answered