Become An Installer/Technician Through The IBEW/NECA Sound and Communication Apprentice Training Program

The IBEW/NECA Sound and Communication training program consists of the following:

  • 480 hours of related supplemental instruction (160 hours a year for three years)
  • 6000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced Installer/Technician.

The program focuses on the following four disciplines:

  • Voice/Data Systems
  • Sound and Pro-Audio Systems
  • Security Systems
  • Fire/Life Safety Systems

While participating in on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced Installer/Technicians, Apprentices are trained on skills required to install, maintain, and troubleshoot various sound and communication systems.

Upon completion of the training, Apprentices will have been trained to install, maintain, and integrate a wide variety of systems found in the Sound and Communication low voltage electrical industry. Over 300 students are currently enrolled in the program.

Curriculum Each Year

During the first year, Apprentices study various topics, such as:

  • Safety
  • Tools
  • Electrical Industry Terms
  • Fundamentals of Telephony
  • Structured Cabling
  • Grounding and Bonding Fundamentals
  • EIA/TIA Standards
  • The National Electrical Code
  • Fiber Optics
  • Instruments
  • DC Electrical Theory

The second year of study includes:

  • AC Electrical Theory
  • Circuit Calculation
  • Wiring Methods
  • Master Clock Systems
  • Nurse Call Systems
  • Fire/Life Safety Systems
  • National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
  • Emergency Communication Systems
  • Mass Notification Systems
  • Speech Reinforcement Systems

During the third year, Apprentices move to more advanced topics including:

  • Networking
  • Video Surveillance
  • Community Access Television (CATV)
  • Satellite Antenna Television (SATV)
  • Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
  • Intrusion Systems
  • Access Control Systems
  • Audio Visual Systems
  • California State VDV and Fire/Life Safety Exam Prep