About The Program
ABC NM electrical apprentices earn competitive wages and benefits while working on the job. Depending on the training period an apprentice’s wages are based on a percentage of the journeyperson rate for public works projects or a wage survey for non-public works jobs.
The ABC NM Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program encompasses a minimum of four years and 8,000 hours of on‐the‐job training. Applicants, who can document prior experience, may be eligible to take a placement test and could potentially begin their apprenticeship training program at a higher class year.
A normal workweek is 40 hours. However, due to the nature of this industry, hours may be more or less depending upon weather conditions, other trades, job delays or other unforeseen situations. Apprentices should be prepared to travel to job sites. Dependable transportation and a valid driver's license are required.
ABC NM apprentices attend school 2 nights a week, 2 semesters a year (Fall and Spring) for 4 years. Apprentices may also be required to attend scheduled Saturday classes throughout the year. In class, ABC NM instructors teach practical application and theory. In addition, demonstrations and “hands‐on” instruction are conducted on safe and proper methods.
After completing ABC NM’s apprenticeship program, graduates receive certificate of completion from the State of New Mexico and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. More importantly, they will have the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in today’s competitive workforce.
Because of the length of the program, commitment to the classroom and on‐the‐job performance requirements, one should be passionate about and dedicated to their chosen trade. When making selection decisions, ABC NM looks for candidates who want to become career electricians.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) developed the apprenticeship programs to help meet construction industry demands for skilled craftspeople. The ABC NM Electrical Apprenticeship Program is accredited by the State of New Mexico, and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. ABC’s apprenticeship programs help contractors maintain a safe and skilled workforce. With competition as stiff as it is today, quality performance is critical in order to bring construction projects in on time and under budget.
About The Trade
- Consistent with applicable codes, specifications and safety standards, plan, layout, install and repair wiring-electrical fixtures, apparatus and control equipment.
- Plan new or modified installations, minimizing waste of materials, providing access for future maintenance, avoiding unsightly, hazardous and unreliable wiring.
- Prepare sketches showing location of wiring and equipment or follows diagrams or blueprints to ensure that concealed wiring is installed before completion of walls, ceilings or flooring.
- Measure, cut, bend, thread, assemble and install electrical conduit using tools such as a hacksaw, pipe-threader and
- conduit bender.
- Pull wiring through conduit, splices wires by stripping insulation from terminal leads (using knife or pliers), twisting wires together, and applying tape or terminal caps.
- Connect wiring to lighting fixtures and power equipment, using hand tools.
- Install distribution controls (e.g., switches, relays, circuit-breaker panels), fastening in place with screws or bolts using hand and power tools. Connect power leads.
- Test continuity of circuit to ensure electrical compatibility and safety of components using testing instruments (e.g., ohmmeter, battery and buzzer, and oscilloscope). Observes functioning of installed equipment or system, detect hazards and need for adjustments, relocation, or replacement. May repair faulty equipment or systems.