El Monte Rosemead Adult School - CTE Electrician Program
Submitted By: Annette Felix
AEBG Staff/Partner
Website: www.emras.edu
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship
Region: Los Angeles Basin
Consortia Involved: Rio Hondo Region Adult Education Consortium
The Program of Practice
El Monte Rosemead Adult School's Electrician training program was established in August 2016. Since its establishment, it has undergone significant growth. The Electrician program leads to certification and licensure to meet the demands of the growing industry, which is facing a severe shortage of trained electricians. The Electrician program was designed to meet the needs of this growing industry by considering factors such as job outlook, community demographics, and the expansion of CTE programs. EMRAS created an educational pathway that provides students with valuable knowledge, skills and opportunities for a career as certified electricians.
EMRAS recognized the need for skilled electricians based on an 18% increase in employment opportunities in California in various sectors such as residential, commercial and industrial construction; and designed a curriculum that includes electrical theory, knowledge of codes, practical skills and best practices required to excel in the field. EMRAS's Electrician program is accredited by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations and recognized by IBEW as a superior training site.
The Response
EMRAS has developed a curriculum that includes two state-of-the-art labs and collaborated with the state of
California to establish one of the very few accredited electrician programs for adult schools in the state. The
Electrician program at EMRAS is divided into two parts: Electrician 101 and Electrician 201. Electrician 101
focuses on introducing electrical procedures for residential dwellings, while Electrician 201 covers electrical
procedures specific to the commercial/industrial industry. Upon enrolling and attending the ET 101 course,
students have the opportunity to obtain an Electrician Training card so they can immediately start working and
begin their career as an electrician.
By offering both Electrician 101 and Electrician 201, EMRAS provides students with a comprehensive
education that covers a broad range of electrical procedures for both residential and commercial/industrial
applications – from theory to hands-on applications. Students can choose how far they want to take their
education based on their career desires (Residential vs. Commercial/Industrial).
Students that graduate from either class possess a well-rounded skill set to pursue a wide array of
employment opportunities in the fields of construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
The Unique Features of the Program
The program was designed to differentiate itself from other programs by being a fast, inexpensive, and
effective solution for students looking to quickly get into the exciting field of electrical. All books, tools, and
materials are provided for the students. The program has the latest technology including a Vivitech Smart TV,
modern computers, individual modern Chromebooks, fast internet, and many industry leading hands-on
trainers with a self-paced, multimedia curriculum. The program reuses/recycles materials to keep the cost
down, providing students with one of the lowest cost, state-certified, electrical programs in the state of
California. The program was also designed as an intense one-year (for Residential Electrician) or two-year (for
General Electrician) class providing students a low-cost, fast-finishing solution for their educational goals. But
program rigor is never sacrificed. During the first year, students receive the equivalent of an OSHA 10 safety
certification. They are provided CPR instruction through the AHA at no extra cost. They learn electrical theory
not only from a book, but they also get hand-on experience with the concepts through the use of
breadboards. They learn blueprint reading and pipe bending. Each student is provided their own empty
cubicle and a blueprint and are expected to build their station which includes almost everything you might
find in Residential construction including 3-way switches, GFCIs, AFCIs, IG and half-hot receptacles, Dimmers,
Timers, various light fixtures and more. Students are also expected to be proficient at troubleshooting
common problems in Residential construction.
If students choose to take the second year, they learn about Commercial/Industrial electrical. There is a heavy
focus on motors, motor control, and industrial automation. Each student is provided with their own MCC
(motor control center) that includes all the elements of traditional motor control as well as modern
automated control through the use of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). Each MCC is also provided with
a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive), a single-phase motor, and a 3-phase motor. Troubleshooting strategies are
stressed and practiced. Students get hands-on experience mounting and wiring solar panels. They get hands-
on experience wiring a switch gear and dry-type transformer with the appropriate panels. They also receive
advanced training including 3-phase power, electrical generation and distribution, emergency power systems,
HVAC/Refrigeration, special/hazardous locations, modern electronics, and much more.
The Outcome
Overall, the success of the EMRAS electrician program, has a 90% completion rate, and successful job placements which supports the programs effectiveness in preparing EMRAS's students for a successful career in the electrical industry. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the program survived due to the diligence of the instructor and the administration to quickly jump into action so that students could continue the electrician course. Currently EMRAS has a long waiting list for the new school year for the Electrician program.