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July 30, 2020

Colorado Senate Bill 120 Triggers Launch of IECRM’s Fast Track Electrical Apprentice Course

Independent Electrical Contractors-Rocky Mountain (IECRM) trade association and electrical apprentice training program has launched a new series of classes for apprentices who have fulfilled on-the-job hours required for Journey Worker licensure. This new course is in response to the recently enacted legislation, Senate Bill SB20-120, concerning requirements for Colorado state electrical board registered apprentices.

The bill requires electrician apprentices who have been registered with their respective boards for at least six years to take a license examination, at least every two or three years, based on the registration renewal cycle until the apprentice passes the examination. IECRM’s new Fast Track Electrical Apprentice Course will prepare apprentices for the exam as well as ensure that the apprentice earns the 288 classroom hours required by the state of Colorado to qualify for licensure. In addition to the classroom requirements, apprentices must have at least four years (8000 hours) of practical on-the-job experience wiring, installing, and repairing electrical apparatus and equipment.

“IECRM is offering this Fast Track class for apprentices who have been on the registry for a period of time but still need or want to take the state-required 288 hours of apprenticeship classroom training,” says Paul Lingo, IECRM Training Director. “This course will prepare electrical workers, who have been working in the field for multiple years but have yet to receive the required electrical education, to obtain their license.”

The new 36-week course is scheduled for eight hours each Friday beginning August 7, 2020. The class will be instructor-led and facilitated online. Space is limited so registering as soon as possible is recommended. “By taking this course, apprentices will advance their careers, increase their knowledge, and become eligible for the journey worker electrical license,” says Lingo.

Employment opportunities for electricians are growing faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S. Colorado’s building boom in homes and businesses up and down the Front Range requires more wiring, electrical power, and systems automation including communications, lighting and control systems. 

Demand for new electricians in the next decade is projected to double the national baseline, creating instant and reliable job security. As a career, electrical contracting ensures life-long learning for new methods, regulations, code changes, and technology. “It is a field where high quality, good work is rewarded, paying more than average jobs in other trade sectors,” says Lingo. “Apprenticeships are an attractive and affordable alternative based on earning while learning, leading to a secure career. IECRM provides the classroom time necessary to allow individuals to enter the profession, continuing to answer the need for more skilled workers in Colorado.”

In the electrical contracting and renewable energy sectors, IECRM touts job security and living wages well into the future. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, electricians have been designated as ‘essential’ workers who, despite the shutdown of so many other businesses, have continued working and still have opportunities available,” says David Scott, Director of Human Resources at Encore Electric. “The reality is that our world will never use less power than it does today. The electrical work that helps make power happen – in any structure, transportation infrastructure, or application – ensures quality of life.” This new program offering will assist apprentices who have been on the registry for an extended period to expand their career to the next level of advancement. 

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.