Electrical & Instrumentation Technology

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the program train you to become an electrician?

    Yes, the program covers the necessary information for you to become an electrician. The program is primarily designed to train industrial automation electricians but the knowledge can be used anywhere.

  • What is the difference between a “construction electrician” and an “industrial electrician”?

    Construction electricians install the wiring and electrical components for new installations such as new houses, commercial buildings, and even industrial plants.  Once the building is completed the electrician moves on to a new location and sometimes even a new company to start a new job.

    Industrial electricians work for the industrial plant usually on a permanent basis.  They are responsible for the maintenance of the electrical equipment.  When the equipment fails the industrial electrician must troubleshoot and repair the equipment to get it back up and running as soon as possible.

     

  • Does the program train you to become an apprentice?

    No, the term “apprenticeship” refers to a person who has joined an organization such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) that puts them to work under a certified electrician for on the job training and they go to school one or two nights a week. 

  •  What is a “journeyman”?

    Journeyman refers to a person who has completed the training period and has enough experience to be able to do the required work without supervision.  Once a person has completed an apprenticeship they become a journeyman.  You may also be considered a journeyman if you complete a program like ours and have worked on the job for a period of time to be able to work alone and to supervise others on the job.

  • Are the courses in the ETEC program approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards?

    Yes, all of the ETEC courses in our program have been approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) to qualify you as an Electrical Trainee in the state of California. By registering with the DAS and enrolling in one of our ETEC courses you are qualified to work for an electrical contractor as an Electrical Trainee.  The state of California requires electrical workers to be certified by taking a certification test.  In order to take this test you need 4000 hours of work experience.  By working as an Electrical Trainee you can accumulate the hours you need to take the test.

  • Do the ETEC courses qualify for the continuing education units necessary for electrical journeymen to qualify for recertification?

    Yes, Los Medanos College has been approved as an education training provider by the DAS certification program.  Taking any of the ETEC courses will give you the 32 hours of CEUs you will need to become recertified.

  • Does the ETEC program meet the state requirements for an Electrical Trainee?

    The ETEC program at Los Medanos is primarily geared for the Industrial Technician and provides most, but not all of the state's training requirements for an Electrical Trainee. The missing portions would need to be taken at another training facility.

  • How is the program connected with PGE’s Power Pathway?

    PG&E’s power pathway is a program designed to prepare people to become PG&E employees.  In order to enter the PG&E apprenticeship program you must pass a very comprehensive entrance test.  That test is made up of questions that only a person completing a course like our ETEC program would know.  PG&E encourages people to attend LMC’s ETEC program to prepare for their apprenticeship program.