Apprenticeship Program
Why Choose an ABC SoCal Apprenticeship?
For more than 50 years, ABC Southern California has served the construction industry by preparing skilled professionals for rewarding, lifelong careers. Our apprenticeship programs are approved by the State of California and the U.S. Department of Labor, giving you the training, experience, and credentials employers value.
Explore Our Apprenticeship Trades
ABC SoCal offers apprenticeship training in:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Low Voltage
- Sheet Metal and HVAC
Benefits of Apprenticeship
Earn While You Learn
Receive paid, on-the-job training while developing real-world skills alongside experienced journey-level professionals.
Live Classroom Instruction
Learn from expert instructors who provide the technical knowledge and practical training you need to succeed in your trade.
Hands-On Jobsite Experience
Apply what you learn in the classroom while working on active construction projects under the guidance of skilled professionals.
Comprehensive Health Benefits
Eligible apprentices may receive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for themselves and their families.
Graduate Without Student Loan Debt
Complete your apprenticeship without taking on the student loan debt commonly associated with a traditional college education.
Build a Long-Term Career
An apprenticeship can lead to many career opportunities within the construction industry, including journey-level work, supervision, project management, estimating, safety, training, and business ownership.
Start building your future with ABC SoCal and become part of the skilled workforce that is building Southern California.
Anaheim Location
- Electrical Program
- Plumbing Program
- Low Voltage (EST) Program
- Sheet Metal Program
LA / Ventura Location
- Electrical Program
- Plumbing Program
Riverside Location
- Electrical Program
- Plumbing Program
- Low Voltage (EST) Program
Apprenticeship Application Process and Requirements
Ready to start a career in the skilled trades? Follow the steps below to apply for an ABC SoCal Apprenticeship Program.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Complete the online Apprenticeship Application and upload all required documents through the application portal.
Your application cannot be processed until the application is complete and all required documents have been uploaded.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Proof that you are at least 17½ years old. Applicants under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the application.
- A copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate.
- An enlarged, clear copy of your Social Security card.
- An enlarged, clear copy of your valid driver’s license.
- A current K4 DMV driving record. Applicants must personally request this document from the California DMV.
- Official transcripts showing successful completion of one year of high school algebra or one semester of college algebra with a passing grade.
Please make sure all documents are complete, clear, and uploaded with your online application. Missing or incomplete documents may delay the application process.
Step 2: Testing, Interview and Orientation
Once ABC SoCal receives your completed online application and all required documents, your application will be reviewed. Qualified applicants will be scheduled for the following:
Aptitude Test
Applicants will take the McGraw-Hill TABE, Test of Adult Basic Education, at no cost. The test includes the following subjects:
- Reading
- Language
- Mathematics Computation
- Applied Mathematics
Applicants must earn a minimum passing score of 70%.
Applicants have two opportunities to pass the aptitude test. If an applicant does not pass after the second attempt, they must wait one year before reapplying to the program.
Oral Interview
Applicants must complete an oral interview and earn a minimum passing score of 80%.
Applicants who do not pass the interview must wait one year before reapplying to the program.
Orientation
Applicants who successfully complete the testing and interview process will be scheduled for orientation. During orientation, participants will complete required paperwork and learn more about ABC SoCal, program expectations, policies, and next steps.
Questions?
For questions or assistance with the application process, contact our Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator:
Phone: 714-779-3199
Email: studentintake@abcsocal.net
Benefits of Apprenticeship in Electrical:
- This program is governed by the State of California and/or the Federal Standards and Program Rules and Regulations
- Length of the program is four and a half years – 8,000 on-the-job training hours
- Program is overseen by the following: ABC SoCal Merit Training Trust (For Anaheim/Riverside), Los Angeles/Ventura Merit Training Trust Fund (For Los Angeles) and the Electrical Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee.
- Anaheim Location – 8 to 9 hours a day for two consecutive weeks every four to six months, for a total of 86 to 88 hours per semester, 180 hours per year.
- LA/Ventura Location – 4 hours per night for 20 weeks, 86 to 88 hours per semester.
- Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined
To view the curriculum for this program, click here.
Electrician Skills
Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems in homes, businesses, and large structures. They also install coaxial cables for television or fiber optic cables for computers and telecommunications equipment. Electricians who specialize in residential work install wiring and hardware like electrical panel boxes, receptacles, light switches, and electrical light fixtures, or replace outdated fuse boxes. Those who work in large factories as commercial electricians install or repair motors, transformers, generators, or electronic controllers on machine tools and industrial robots. They use numerous hand tools, operate power tools, and use electric testing meters.
Electricians must use their athletic capabilities. Eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, and physical balance are important for climbing ladders or operating power tools. Thanks to safety training programs, employers have greatly reduced accidents on the job. Electricians work outdoors and indoors, often working closely with other trades.
For more skill definition click here.
Benefits of Apprenticeship in Plumbing:
- This program is governed by the State of California and/or the Federal Standards and Program Rules and Regulations
- Length of the program is four years – 7,200 on-the-job training hours
- Classes will meet one night per week plus three mandatory Saturdays
- 4 hours per night for 19 weeks and three 8 hour classes, 100 hours per semester.
- Program is overseen by the ABC SoCal Merit Training Trust and the Plumbing Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee
- Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined
To view the curriculum for this program, click here.
Plumber Skills
Blueprint reading or drawings, estimate materials and install or repair water supply lines, drainage systems, and gas systems. Plumber’s measure, cut, and install plastic, copper, steel, and cast iron pipe. Make connections with silver solder and a torch; or plumbing fittings; etc. Plumbers cut holes in walls, ceilings, and floors to attach or hang pipes for connection to fixtures. They also install plumbing fixtures – bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets – and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters. Plumbers use numerous hand tools, like: tubing cutters, torpedo levels and various wrenches.
Today’s plumbers operate power threading machines, air-acetylene torches, power drills, and saber-saws. Plumbers must use their athletic capabilities. Eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, and physical balance are important for climbing ladders or operating power tools. Thanks to safety training programs, employers have greatly reduced accidents on the job. Plumbers work outdoors and indoors – working closely with other trades.
For more skill definition: click here.
Benefits of Apprenticeship in Low Voltage (EST):
- This program is governed by the State of California and/or the Federal Standards and Program Rules and Regulations
- Length of the program is four years – 4,800 on-the-job training hours
- Classes will meet one night per week
- 4 hours per night for 20 weeks, 80 hours per semester, 160 hours per year
- Program is overseen by the ABC SoCal Merit Training Trust and the Electronic Systems Technician / Voice Data Video Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee
- Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined
To view the curriculum for this program, click here.
Electronic Systems Tech Skills
We live in a world of connections. Every commercial and residential unit needs to be wired with audio/video circuits, cabling, fiber optics, computer networks, or telecommunications and satellite systems. The Electronic Systems Technician (EST) program will teach you how to install, connect, troubleshoot, and repair all of these systems and components. They get experience in different aspects of designing, maintaining and repairing electronic systems in home and business environments.
This trade is responsible for keeping cabling, audio/video circuits, computer networks, fiber optics, telecommunications and satellite systems up and running. Without them we would not be able to use the World Wide Web, our computers, fire alarm systems, our cable televisions, and our phones systems.
From the start of a construction project to its completion, the EST is a vital link to the overall success of all modern buildings. They also work with closed circuit televisions, video studio equipment, cameras, video recorders, paging systems, public address, intercom, electronic controls, and fire life safety systems.
Some of the state of the art test equipment they use includes oscilloscopes, wave form monitors, and pattern generators. This career can be physically challenging, with lifting, climbing, carrying and balancing involved. It is also mentally challenging, since having knowledge of local building codes, organizational skills, and the ability to visualize are all part of the job.
For more skill definition click here.
Benefits of Apprenticeship being in Sheet Metal:
- This program is governed by the State of California and/or the Federal Standards and Program Rules and Regulations
- Length of the program is four years – 6,500 on-the-job training hours
- Classes will meet one night per week
- 4 hours per night for 20 weeks, 80 hours per semester, 160 hours per year
- Officially recognized training providers for North American Technician Excellence
- Program is overseen by the ABC SoCal Merit Training Trust and the Sheet Metal Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee
- Applicants must meet eligibility requirements as outlined
To view the curriculum for this program, click here.
Sheet Metal Skills
Metal in the form of large, flat sheets can be cut, bent, joined, and installed to become duct work, downspouts, skylights, signs, siding, and many other products found in a building. Sheet metal professionals make, install, and maintain these things and many more. In addition to sheet metal, these professionals may also work with plastic and fiberglass. They read blueprints and specifications, take measurements, construct the various components, check them for accuracy, and then install the pieces where needed. Work can be done in a factory, in an existing building, or on a construction job site. This craft uses a lot of different tools, such as drills, hammers, welding rods, and shears.
If you have good math and reading skills, the ability to visualize something and are interested in working with lots of different kinds of tools, this can be a great career. It requires skill, dexterity, and a creative mind. There is a lot of variety in this trade. Sheet metal professionals cut, fit, assemble, and occasionally weld. This is challenging and satisfying work.
No day or project is ever the same and can be physically challenging. There is standing, climbing, and bending involved and hand and eye coordination is also an asset. It is also mentally challenging, the ability to make accurate calculations and think ahead are very important, as are solid algebra and geometry skills.
For more skill definition click here.
Q. How long will it take to get into the program?
A. It will depend upon how many applicants are ahead of you, for whichever trade you apply for. (Once we recieve all your required documents you will be placed on the waitlist).
Q. Do I need experience?
A. It is not necessary to have any experience. You will receive both On-the-Job-Training and classroom instruction.
Q. What are the wages that I will be making?
A. The wages are set by the State of California and the Department of Labor, NOT ABC. The wages are determined by where the project is located and when the project was bid. For samples only, visit our Apprentice Wage Rates section.
Q. Do I have to find my own work?
A. ABC is not a job placement center, we are a member based apprenticeship program. However, if you are accepted into the program you will be dispatched to one of our member firms for on-the-job training.
Q. What if I am currently working for a contractor?
A. As long as all of the requirements are met, you will be placed on a waiting list for the next step of the application process. Once accepted, you will be dispatched to that company as an apprentice, as long as you are on the company’s payroll prior to entering the program. If the contractor is not a member of ABC SoCal, speak to your employer about becoming one. Otherwise, ABC will dispatch you to a member of ABC SoCal.
Q. If I have experience, will I have to start at the first level?
A. Depending on how many verifiable on-the-job training hours you have in the specific trade you are applying to get into, you could request to take the challenge test, as outlined in the Rules and Regulations of the program
Q. How much does the program cost?
A. The only out of pocket expense an individual has is the cost of your required tools for the trade and your classroom textbooks each year.
Q. When will I go to school?
A.
- Anaheim/ Riverside: Electrical classes are scheduled twice a year in what is called “Two-Week tracks”. After you are accepted into the Electrical Apprenticeship program, which is effective the first day you start work, you will work for 4 to 6 months then come to school for two weeks straight Monday – Friday, 8/9 hours a day. After completing the two-week semester, you will go back to work for another 4 to 6 months and so forth.
- LA/Ventura: Electrial classes are scheduled twice a year for Spring and Fall it will be 4 hours per night for 20 weeks, 86/88 hours per semester, 180 hours per year. If you enter the program after the Fall Semester begins you will not start school until the next Fall class session begins.
- Plumbing, Sheet Metal and Low Voltage classes are two semesters per year, Fall and Spring. You will attend school at least once a week at night for four hours. If you enter the program after the Fall semester begins you will not start school until the next Fall class session begins
