General Information / FAQ
Electrical Training Throughout South Carolina
If you consider a career as a skilled electrician in South Carolina, there is no better resource than Charleston Electrical Training Alliance. We are celebrating our 75th anniversary in 2021, making us the oldest electrical apprenticeship program in the state. We offer in-depth, relevant skills and knowledge through a unique hands-on experience. Learn more about it and get started today. Your new career awaits.
General Apprenticeship Program
Our apprenticeship program is perfect for anyone who wants to forge forward with a new program. Below are the stipulations, details, and benefits of our apprenticeship program:
During your apprenticeship, you will learn to layout, assemble, install, and terminate electrical components. This includes equipment, fixtures, and wiring in maintenance, renovation, and new construction projects. Additionally, apprentices will learn to install, connect, and troubleshoot electrical machinery, control devices, industrial equipment, and signal communications systems.
All electrical contractors are affiliated with I.B.E.W. Local 776 and may not necessarily be located in Charleston.
Much of the work you will perform is done in uncontrolled environments and requires a degree of physical strength. You must be willing to work in all weather conditions and possess manual dexterity and agility.
The local 776's jurisdiction covers most of South Carolina, including Charleston, Columbia, and Florence. You might be placed with a contractor who has a project in Charleston or somewhere else in South Carolina.
Your apprenticeship will last four years. Your on-the-job training is provided through our electrical contractor partners. CETA provides classroom instruction in safety, electrical theory, grounding and bonding, motors, motor controls, the National Electrical Code, and much more at their training center located in North Charleston.
There is a health insurance program for all apprentices, paid by the employer. Your employer will begin contributing to a national pension program on your first day of employment. After a probationary period, your employer will contribute to a regional pension program in your name. All of these contributions are on top of your hourly wage.
CETA receives many applications for our apprenticeship program. Acceptance into the program is based on numerous factors, including applicate qualifications and industry demand.
You are required to purchase some items, including work clothes, work boots, textbooks, workbooks, online fees, and some hand tools.
High-Quality Apprenticeships Since 1946
The Charleston Electrical Training Alliance’s sole mission is to create the best electrical worker, period. Our mission is to turn out successful and productive highly skilled craftworkers so South Carolina can flourish. The CETA apprenticeship program has a 75-year history as a proven winner. If you are looking for something new or considering a move to the major leagues our frequently asked questions should clear up any doubts you may have.
Testimonials
CETA has taught me the basics of what I need to be a successful Journeyman. I have gotten to work with some great electricians
CETA is great. I have met lots of great people and learned many new things about electrical work through the program. It has changed my view on life! In short, it is a great experience, has great people, and is a great brotherhood. This is the place you want to be!
The apprenticeship program is a great thing to get into it to help you progress further into your career. I love the fact that you can earn while you learn. This program helps you be the best electrician you can be.
The Charleston JATC has given me many things in addition to my electrical education–mentors, friends, a brotherhood, and a great deal of confidence. Coming to CETA is definitely the best decision I’ve made in my adult life.
Charleston Electrical Training Alliance is a registered apprenticeship program. Charleston Electrical Training Alliance coursework is reserved for apprentices only. If you are interested in a career in electrical construction, we invite you to consider applying for our apprenticeship program.
Yes. One must be over eighteen, have a minimum of a high school diploma or a GED, have an academic credit in algebra or higher, and have a negative result on our drug screen.
Many of our applicants have tried college and found it wasn’t for them. We are happy to evaluate any post-secondary instruction as part of the selection process.
Charleston Electrical Training Alliance uses email to communicate with applicants, apprentices, instructors, and staff. Please make certain @ceta776.org is whitelisted by your email service.
No. The industry covers all the costs of apprenticeship – EXCEPT for an administrative fee that is issued once a semester to students/apprentices who have the obligation to pay for textbooks, online fees, shipping, and some consumables. This bill generally ranges from $300 to $600 dollars a semester.
Yes. Debit and credit cards are the preferred means of Administration fee payment.
No. Charleston Electrical Training Alliance is an independent training trust. Members of the IBEW sit on Charleston Electrical Training Alliance’s Board of Trustees, but we are a non-profit educational institution.
Just select the info@ceta776.org link and request an email application packet. One will be sent to you promptly.
Apprentices are selected year around as long as on-the-job training opportunities are available.
Currently, there are unfilled apprenticeship opportunities available.
No. the apprenticeship is an entry-level position. No experience is required – although electrical construction experience may be a plus when your application file is reviewed by the selection committee.
Two criteria must be met for one to graduate from the apprenticeship program. One must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and eight semesters of technical instruction.
Not necessarily. Should you request an evaluation, your past electrical construction experience can be evaluated, and you will be slotted in an appropriate period.
Not necessarily. Should you request an evaluation, your records and assessments will be evaluated, and you will be granted credit for courses in which you show mastery.
Charleston Electrical Training Alliance uses a standard academic calendar. Course work begins in mid-August with our Fall Semester, which concludes in mid-December. The spring semester starts in mid-January and wraps up at the end of May.
No. CETA employs a rich mix of classroom instruction and hands-on lab activities.
It is impossible to coordinate the two elements of apprenticeship. The skills and knowledge learned in the classroom or lab have a direct connection to skills required in the field – which is the essence of a quality apprenticeship program.
No. You will be assigned to an employer that pays a living wage, with health care and other benefits by Charleston Electrical Training Alliance.
You will receive pay raises when certain benchmark on the job training hours are reached. Charleston Electrical Training Alliance does the calculation for you and alerts your employer when those benchmarks are reached.
Yes, apprentices are required to avail themselves of a modest assortment of tools. This will be thoroughly explained during the orientation process.
It’s really impossible to know. The service area is quite large (the coastal and central regions of South Carolina) and construction projects are often quite transitory.