Happy #NationalApprenticeshipWeek from Skillpoint Alliance!
As a pre-apprenticeship modeled program, our Electrical certification at Skillpoint Alliance provides every students with the opportunity to learn about the apprenticeship programs offered by the Local IBEW 520 Union and by IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.), and then can decide which program would be beneficial for their personal career goals.
The Local IBEW 520 Union is a 5 year program designed to match individuals with partner companies in the Austin area like Alterman Electric, to take their classroom knowledge into a job site, alongside a journeyman. Appreciatively, all of our classes are held in the same training space as the IBEW 520 Apprenticeship program, allowing students to ask president Lane Price questions concerning the curriculum during their program. Since 2015, 19% of Skillpoint Electrical graduates have joined the apprenticeship program with IBEW, like Susan Ellis – who began her program this past September. Hear about her experience below.
Similarly, Skillpoint’s partnership with the IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc.) introduces our students to the benefits of networking with a non-union organization. During our program, each electrical class is invited to tour the facility, guided by Eric Peralez, Director of Training, to learn about the 4-year apprenticeship program offered for Central Texans. 17% of our electrical graduates are in the process of completing the IEC apprenticeship. One Skillpoint alum, Nathan Sheehan, graduated the IEC apprenticeship this past summer and is currently working on a solar paneling project for Austin Independent School District.
Our graduates who choose to join an apprenticeship program can potentially earn $300,000 more over the span of their career than an individual who does not complete an apprenticeship program. As an industry apprentice, career growth is more extensive than earning a degree at a college or university; and can provide more groundwork knowledge for anyone interested in moving into Senior Management or owning their own company (as described by Build Your Future).
Skillpoint Alliance’s Gateway program is proud to officiate the conversation of joining an apprenticeship and support their career goals within the Skilled Trades. For more information about our programs, please visit: www.skillpointalliance.org/gateway and follow us on all social media platforms for regular program updates.