Apply Wednesday For Apprentice Electrician Training

(Editor's note: This article about a paid, training program for union electricians was published in November. The program will accept new applicants on Wednesday, February 15. It is a one-day only opportunity. This link will take you to details about the application process. The story will tell you about the program. Apply yourself, or share this with a friend or family member.)

In 2008 and 2009, the union training hall on Alvarado Boulevard saw no point in teaching apprentice electricians the tricks of the trade because there were no jobs.

But a new class recently started at the Alameda County Joint Electrical and Training Committee (JATC) facility at 3033 Alvarado Street -- a sign that some parts of the long-dead job market are showing signs of life.

"We're expecting a mini-boom here," said JATC training coordinator Mel Switzer.

Hospital construction is driving demand for union electricians. Switzer cited new Kaiser facilities in San Leandro and Oakland and the new Eden Hospital in Castro Valley as examples.

Training program had been mothballed

Though residential construction remains stalled, hiring for these big projects has been enough to bring the training program out of mothballs.

Switzer said that before the recession the union typically started two classes each year, each with about 20 trainees.

No classes were started in 2008 and 2009. One class started last May. A second class started this June.

Next year, Switzer hopes there will be enough demand to get back on the two-class per year pace.

Aspiring apprentices go through a five-year process that combines classroom training with paid, on-the-job experience.

Trainees must invest about $1,000 for books and tools but the program makes them eligible for jobs that start at $18 per hour.

Long wait for job with potential

The trainees now going through the program have been waiting a long time.

Mike Simas, 30, of San Leandro first tried to get accepted in 2002 but didn't make it. He reapplied in 2008. He finally got the call to start class in April.

Simas used to work in heating, ventilation and air conditioning but thinks an electrical career has more potential.

"You have solar power possibly taking off and electric cars," Simas said. "There's more room to grow."

It also took Kimberly Hudson, 33, of Oakland, two tries to get in. She made her first attempt in 2004. She said she came from a dead-end job in retail.

Matthew Beavers, a 32-year-old trainee from San Leandro, used to be a checkout clerk at the Berkeley Bowl. It was a stable position that enabled him and his family to buy a home here.

"But I was at a job that checked groceries all day," he said. "Here they're giving you skills and opportunities."

(Click here to get a summary of San Leandro Patch delivered to you by email.)