The State of California Electrical Trainee Program allows you to work as an unlicensed electrician, while fulfilling the requirements toward earning your state electrician certification.

The Redwood Empire Electrical JATC Journeyman Wireman (JW) Trainee program is offered as a courtesy to IBEW Local 551 union members. The program is facilitated through an online portal, whereby the course lessons can be completed at home on your own time.

As with all of our instruction, the JW Trainee program is here to serve career-minded individuals* who demonstrate exceptional aptitude, integrity, motivation, and work ethic. For those JW trainees who put in the effort, we offer training to help you achieve a dignified, lifelong career in the electrical industry.

The JW Trainee program's course curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you for passing the state exam, so that you may receive your California Electrician Certification. Please read below to understand your responsbilities to participate successfully in this program.

* In accordance with Title 29 (part 30) of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Redwood Empire JATC ensures equal opportunity to all apprentices and trainees, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age (40 years or older), genetic information, or disability.

The REJATC JW Trainee program is registered and approved with the State of California. It meets the minimum requirements for you to maintain your trainee card, which allows you to continue working as a registered electrical trainee.

• The Redwood Empire JATC is the state-approved trainee school listed with your regsitration application to the State of California.

• To maintain your license as a JW trainee, you are required to complete a minimum of 150 hours of certified instruction each year.

• NOTE: It is your sole responsbility to renew your trainee license every year.

As part of the REJATC JW Trainee program, your responsibilities as an electrical trainee include:

• You must keep your electrical trainee card current and valid with the State of California.

• You must keep your contact information up-to-date with IBEW Local 551 and the REJATC.

• You must attend any scheduled classes in-person if & when instructed to do so by the REJATC.

• You must successfully complete all of the necessary coursework & assignments (with a score of 75 or above) in a timely manner, prior to your electrical trainee card expiration.

• If you do not complete the coursework before your trainee card expires, the REJATC will not renew your trainee card; you will have to re-apply for a new trainee card with the State of California. As well, you will have to re-register and make payment to the REJATC again for the annual coursework.

Please note that if you do not abide by the terms of your trainee contract:

• You will be dropped from the REJATC JW Trainee program roster.

• The State of California will be notified that you are no longer a part of the JW Trainee program.

• You will not be able to renew your electrical trainee card through the REJATC.

Here, below, you can register to take industry-standard, online courses for the JW Trainee program.

After you register for your coursework, the REJATC will sign you up as part of the Electrical Training Alliance's Learning Management System (LMS). You will be notified when your textbooks arrive at the REJATC, so that you may schedule a time to pick up your materials in person. At that time, we will provide you with instructions for how to log into and use the LMS online learning platform.

As a registered electrical trainee, you will receive an official, signed letter from the REJATC stating that you are enrolled in the JW program. As part of your application to the State of California, you will need to include a copy of this letter to receive (or maintain) a current and valid trainee card, so that you are allowed to legally work as an electrical trainee in California.

REGISTER FOR ONLINE COURSEWORK

This is a simple, two-step process. Please submit your personal information, and then make payment for your coursework materials.

Step 1: Please enter & submit your personal information using the form below:

Here are resource links to apply for your State of California electrician license or trainee card: