Are you interested in starting as an installer electrician with the Electrical Trades Center of Ohio? You can find our core courses below, which make up the main focus of our installer electrician registered apprenticeship program. These courses are taught by expert IBEW Local 683 journeymen, who are certified to teach the necessary topics required to provide an industry-leading education, which will lead to a successful career.
First Year
This course provides a complete overview of the apprenticeship program, from the history of the IBEW and structure of NECA, to the goals and responsibilities of the apprentice. Understanding the structure and heritage of the IBEW and NECA is a valuable attribute in establishing pride in the industry. Other important topics this workbook explores are preventing sexual harassment, hazards of drug abuse, safety issues and motivational and leadership keys for success.
- Prerequisite: None
- Length: 1 week (2 nights)
Students are introduced to some of the basic tools of the trade, both hand tools and those related to telecommunications, and then provides instruction on how to properly use and care for them. The course spends several lessons on the reality of electrical shock and other safety precautions essential for any jobsite. Other lessons cover necessary math skills including the metric system and working with exponentials.
- Prerequisite: None
- Length: 5 weeks (10 nights)
First year students learn the fundamentals of DC circuits and the application of mathematical principles to elementary electrical problems. This course begins with an overview of electrical theory and continues with the elementary physics of resistors and how they interact in DC series and parallel circuits. More advanced topics include combination circuits, voltage dividers, superposition and Kirchhoff’s Laws. Students must complete in-class and homework assignments, which require correct answers and mathematical proof.
- Prerequisite: Tech Math or Math 100 or higher
- Length: 10 weeks (20 nights)
This course introduces the apprentice to premise cabling, the related codes and TIA/EIA standards. With these fundamentals in place, the course further explains the need for structured cabling systems by exploring system overviews. Subsequently, the apprentice begins to study in more detail the unshielded twisted pair cables, connecting hardware, pathways and spaces. After learning about telecommunications cabling administration and grounding and bonding, the apprentice will begin to configure structured cabling systems and their applications. The course concludes with a hands-on lesson, which involves the configuration and complete installation of a basic structured cabling system.
- Prerequisite: None
- Length: 6 weeks (12 nights)
Students receive an explanation of a basic understanding of the telephone system and its circuitry and then explore the various types of signals used to transmit data. Many small businesses use Electronic Key Systems (EKS), so an installer and technician should recognize the origin of these systems. Participants will identify the transition from individual telephones to electromechanical key systems and the application of electronic key systems. These systems have combined new technologies for call processing and other features still in use today.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the first year IT curriculum
- Length: 2 weeks (4 nights)
This course will cover “best practice” procedures for the installation of copper structured cabling systems. Course objectives include the understanding of installation foundations; safety procedures; cabling, pathways, and spaces; bonding, grounding and electrical protection; firestopping; and retrofits and upgrades. At the conclusion of this course, the apprentice will be prepared to sit for the BICSI Installer 2 – Copper Certification exam.
- Prerequisite: At least one year of current and verifiable Information Transmission Systems industry installation experience.
- Length: 8 weeks (16 nights)
Second Year
Learn organizational topics such as becoming familiar with the IBEW Constitution, as well as understanding Local Union By-Laws. Participants will discover the structure and heritage of the IBEW and how NECA is a valuable attribute in establishing pride in the industry. Other important topics covered in this course include parliamentary procedures and an introduction to the COMET program.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the first year IT curriculum
- Length: 2 weeks (4 nights)
Paging systems, background music and PA systems are evident almost everywhere. This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of these systems, their fundamental components and how these systems work. It explores some of the specific applications of the systems. The course begins with lessons on understanding the components associated with distributed sound systems/paging systems and their functions. Next, it explains the difference between a constant voltage system and a self-amplified system. Single-zone and multi-zone paging systems will also be examined. One of the prime considerations in any sound system design is an efficient power transfer between an amplifier and the associated speakers. There is a lesson designed to explain the two power transfer methods, their advantages and disadvantages. Other topics discussed in the course are designing and layouts, sound masking systems and a concluding lesson devoted to applying the information learned to a practical design.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the first year IT curriculum
- Length: 3 weeks (5 nights)
This course explores the various components of security systems by identifying the terms and definitions associated with those systems. Students will gain an understanding of the magnetic contact and their specific applications. In addition, motion sensors, glass break sensors, control panels, keypads and modules are discussed. The second part of the course introduces the students to access control systems and their components and applications.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the first year IT curriculum
- Length: 7 weeks (13 nights)
Students learn the fundamentals of blueprint reading and apply them to real-world scenarios. The student begins by drawing and recognizing common scales and symbols for the residential, commercial and industrial environments. They also have the opportunity to complete a residential take-off and price quotation.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the first year IT curriculum
- Length: 5 weeks (9 nights)
Discover the requirements of the NEC and how they apply for fiber optic installations. The course will build upon fundamental skills and introduce the apprentice to several types of connectors and splices a technician should be familiar with to install and/or service fiber optic systems. Subsequently, the course will help develop “best practice” procedures for applying the safety rules for handling fiber optic materials, as well as having a strong knowledge of the proper installation practices. The course concludes by explaining and understanding the ANSI/EIA/TIA standards and the limitation of those standards. In addition, the student will gain a basic understanding of the application and operation of fiber optic transmitters and receivers.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the first year IT curriculum
- Length: 4 weeks (7 nights)
Designed to be used in conjunction with the Introduction to Networking Technologies textbook, this course systematically introduces the student to networking definitions and basics, and builds upon those principles. Beginning lessons include network definitions, Ethernet basics, the OSI model and the networked PC. The course also examines the need for keeping systems secure by describing types of malware and the best ways to prevent users from becoming a victim of malware. It includes a description about the two most common and popular types of networks used today. Networking operating systems are explored, as is their relationship with the OSI model in accomplishing their tasks. Subsequent lessons will discuss Windows and the OSI Model, 10Base2, 10Base5, Ethernet technology and troubleshooting these systems. These and other topics are covered in this course.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the first year IT curriculum
- Length: 5 weeks (9 nights)
This course will cover “best practice” procedures for the installation of fiber optic structured cabling systems. Course objectives include the understanding of installation foundations; safety procedures; cabling, pathways, and spaces; bonding, grounding, and electrical protection; firestopping; and retrofits and upgrades. At the conclusion of this course, the apprentice will be prepared to sit for the BICSI Installer 2 – Fiber Certification exam.
- Prerequisite: At least two years of current and verifiable Information Transmission Systems industry installation experience
- Length: 8 weeks (16 nights)
Third Year
Students will use the CCTV Surveillance Video Practices and Technology textbook to optimize their understanding of all video technology aspects from light sources to video monitors and recorders. The course will introduce the apprentice to video security systems and technology, then advance to remote monitoring and video communication control. There are also additional advanced lessons that discuss video image splitting, reversal and annotation, covert video surveillance and rapid deployment, integration and testing.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the second year IT curriculum
- Length: 8 weeks (16 nights)
This is a must take course for all electricians who wish to learn how to install and design building automation systems. This course starts by examining HVAC, lighting, security, fire alarm, mechanical and plumbing systems. Students are then introduced to functions of sensors, actuators and other control devices. Students continue their studies exploring the integration of these systems in a sophisticated building automation environment. The course provides practical, hands-on experience using simple examples, job aids and network tools.
- Prerequisite: Completion of third year curriculum
- Length: 8 weeks (16 nights)
The average home today is far more technologically sophisticated than the home of just a few years ago. The Residential Advanced Technology course presents a series of lessons that prepare the residential install/technician to understand this technological sophistication. Included are lessons to familiarize the student with wireless control technologies, cabling infrastructures, audio/video fundamentals, home theater basics, automation controls and RF distribution. These lessons will prove to be useful in the residential construction industry, as well as provide applicable fundamentals useful in the commercial industry.
- Prerequisite: Completion of the second year IT curriculum
- Length: 8 weeks (16 nights)
This course will cover “best practice” procedures for the installation of structured cabling systems. Course objectives include the understanding of installation foundations; safety procedures; cabling, pathways, and spaces; bonding, grounding, and electrical protection; firestopping; retrofits and upgrades; data centers; health care; planning and project management; and other specific applications. At the conclusion of this course, the apprentice will be prepared to sit for the BICSI Technician Certification exam.
- Prerequisite: At least three years of current and verifiable Information Transmission Systems industry installation experience.
- Length: 8 weeks (16 nights)