By Destinie Holiday
Electrician Helper Carlos Dixon participated in and completed the Independent Electrical Contractors School four-year Apprenticeship Program.
Since 2012, UH Electrical Shop Supervisor Karl Keilbach has helped Facility Services maintain an associate membership with the IEC. This is an apprenticeship program to provide an opportunity for workers wishing to become qualified electricians to expand their skills, gain knowledge and become certified. After graduating from the program and completing the required on-the-job training hours, participants are prepared to take the state license exam. Only one out of every 40 students have the perseverance to complete the entire four-year program.
This program functions like a regular collegiate school year. Class is held once a week for four hours. Over the course of eight semesters, students complete 1,000 hours of classroom time and 8,000 on-the-job hours. In addition, the amount of homework averages two hours a night. Just like most school settings, students have summers off. For individuals registered through the UH Electrical Shop, tuition and books are completely paid by UH Facilities.
The career ladder for electricians at UH can start as an electrician helper, move to an electrician apprentice and then become journeyman electricians. Currently, three students are enrolled in the program and have completed their first year. They include Eric York, Jack Wade and Yahir Meza. Starting the first year for 2017-2018 is Keith Herrling.
“The electric shop wants to promote within. The goal is to get them educated in the electrical field with the knowledge of theory, installation, repairs and code compliancy,” Keilbach said. “The education and on-the-job training puts the students well on their way to becoming a state-licensed certified electrician and will build an asset for the University.”
Facilities Services is proud of Dixon and his dedication and looks forward to seeing his and the current students’ growth. UH Facilities supports continuing education and career growth and is excited to have this program in place.